Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kilimanjaro National Park Gate to Mandara Hut

   • After having breakfast and consultation, a driver will drive you to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes); hiker (s) will be required to register and begin the climb. Hiker(s) will walk through the rainforest to the Mandara camping area. A side trip to Maundi Crater is an excellent means to see the surroundings, including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for rising Eucalyptus trees, Colobus monkeys, and bird life, which is attractive.

   Rising: 5,500 ft / 1,700 m to 9,000 ft / 2,740 m

   Stretch: 7 km

   Hike time: 4-5 hours

   Climatic Habitat: Montane Forest

   Meals: L, D

   Shelter: Mandara Hut

2. Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

   • Hiker(s) will leave the rainforest openings and follow an ascending path to the Horombo camping area on the open hills. Visibility of the summit of Kibo and Mawenzi is fantastic. Look for groundsels and giant lobelias. Hiker(s) may arise to feel the effects of the gaining of altitude.

   Rising: 9,000 ft / 2,700 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m
   Stretch: 11 km
   Hike time: 6-8 hours
   Climatic habitat: Heathland/ Moorland
   Meals: B, L, D
   Shelter: Horombo Hut

3. Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

   • Climbing up on the Marangu route, we now pass the last watering point, walking into the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation arises with upper heathland but then disappears into a “moonscape”. Hiker(s) eat, relax, and prepare for the summit climb.

   Rising: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 15,400 ft / 4,700 m
   Stretch: 10 km
   Hike time: 6-8 hours
   Climatic habitat: Alpine Desert
   Meals: B, L, D
   Shelter: Kibo Hut

4. Day 4: Kibo Hut to Summit then Horombo Hut

   • Very early in the morning (from midnight to 2:00 am) hiker(s) commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater flange. Continuing on we now hike and ascend to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. There are fantastic and unbelievable views at every turn. Hikers have your picture taken at the summit to show their friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo camping ground. The starting of this climb to the summit is done in the dark and involves headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers and jackets. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Hike(s) are best informed going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa.

   Rising: 15,400 ft / 4,700 m to 19,300 ft / 5,895 m 19,300 ft / 5,895 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m
   Stretch: 4 km up / 14 km down
   Hike time: 10-15 hours
   Climatic Habitat: Alpine Desert
   Meals: B, L, D
   Shelter: Horombo Camp

5. Day 5: Horombo Hut to Moshi

   •  A long trek is in store for today, however it is mostly downhill. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate hiker(s) pick up our certificate that shows our success and the driver will pick you up to the hotel.