• Take a short drive from Moshi/Arusha town to the Kilimanjaro Park Gate (1830 m), at the edge of Marangu - an attractive village with much small coffee and banana plantations.

• After completing the entrance formalities, climb up through the attractive and unspoiled forest to reach the clearing.

• Finally, reach the Mandara Hut (2700 m.). The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby and make a good afternoon excursion.

An alternative is to rest and enjoy the beautiful forest. There is a rich birdlife at the huts and monkeys are often seen as well. 

• Explore the first part of the walk, a steep ascent through the forest, but the path soon opens out into grassy moorland. Enjoy the views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

• Climb steadily through the moorland zone containing giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel to reach Horombo Hut (3,720 m.) eventually. Sunrise and sunsets here are stunning, the site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo, and there is a real sense of being above the clouds.

• Gradually climb towards the lunar desert between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to screed, and there is a palpable sense of high altitude wilderness.

• Reach Kibo Hut (4,700 m.) at the bottom of the crater wall by midday.

• Enjoy a free afternoon and sleep in early.

• Begin the ascent at about 1 a.m. so that you can be up at Gillman’s Point by sunrise.

• Explore on the initial climb, which is steep over the loose volcanic screen, but there is some well-graded zigzag, and a slow but steady pace will have you up at Gillman’s (5,685 m.) in about five or six hours.

• Rest there and spend some time taking in the picturesque sunrise.

• Enjoy a to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m). Pass by spectacular glaciers that still occupy most of the summit area.

• Return to Horombo Hut. 

• Post breakfast, start a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara and then a lovely forest walk to the National Park gates to Moshi town.

• Drive to Arusha.