Itinerary

1. Day 1 - Marangu Gate - Mandara Hut

   • Before beginning our trek, we depart Moshi or Arusha for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful tropical rainforest. During this phase, you should expect and encounter mild rain, fog, and mud. We can see blue monkeys at the upper edge of the forest line. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

   Distance: 8km
   Habitat: Montane forest
   Time: 4 to 5 hours

2. Day 2 - Mandara Hut - Horombo Hut

   • After breakfast, hikers will begin their ascent out of the rainforest and into the heathen moorland. Hikers will pass the Maundi Crater and can climb up to its rim for a spectacular view of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro. After 6 hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut (3720m). Horombo Hut is located on a small plateau.

   Distance: 11km

   Habitat: Moorland

   Time: 5 to 6 hours

3. Day 3 - Acclimatization Day

   • Today’s purpose is getting your body to acclimatize to the altitude. Acclimatization should not be underestimated as it greatly improves your chances of reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, you will set off on a trek to Zebra Rocks. The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a cooked lunch will await you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain strength for the hike the following day—overnight and evening meal at Horombo Hut.

4. Day 4 - Horombo Hut - Kibo Hut

   • We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. An alpine desert characterizes the area, and this campsite has no water. Once here, we rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

   Distance: 11km

   Habitat: Alpine desert

   Time: 5 to 6 hours

5. Day 5 - Kibo Hut - Uhuru Peak - Horombo Hut

   • We begin our push to the summit very early in the morning (around midnight). This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. At Gilman’s point (5685m), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak. On the crater rim, you have Gilman’s Point, from where you’ll trek to Stella Point (5756m) and ascend to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
   • After spending a few moments taking photographs at the roof of Africa and your accomplishment, you will start descending to Kibo Hut. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours. At Kibo Hut will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After lunch, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

   Distance: 22km

   Habitat: Alpine desert/ Arctic summit / Moorland

   Time: 7 hours to Uhuru /3 hours back to Kibo/ 3 hours to Horombo

6. Day 6 - Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate

   • On our last day, we trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

   Distance: 19km
   Habitat: Montane Forest
   Time: 6 to 8 hours