Itinerary

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

   • After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register and commence the climb. 
   • Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys.

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

   Distance: 7 km

   Time: 4-5 hours

   Climatic Zone: Montane Forest

   Meals: L, D

   Hut: Mandara Hut

2. Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

   • This is a long day, after morning breakfast, you will begin with an hour hike through rainforest glades before ascending through heathland and on into the open moorlands where the vegetation is sparse with small shrubs. 
   • Stop halfway for lunch, short rest and you will be able to spot the two volcanos at once: Kibo and Mawenzi before reach at camp, here you will have dinner and overnight.

   Elevation: 2720m/8976ft to 3720m/ 12276ft

   Distance: 11 km

   Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

3. Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

   • Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking into the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest and prepare for the summit climb.

   Elevation: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 15,400 ft / 4,700 m

   Distance: 10 km

   Time: 6-8 hours

   Climatic Zone: Alpine Desert

   Meals: B, L, D

   Hut: Kibo Hut

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

   • Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. 
   • Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are extraordinary views at every turn. You will have some pictures taken at the summit to show your friends and family. 
   • From here we will descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

   Elevation: 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

   Distance: 4 km up / 14 km down

   Time: 10-15 hours

   Climatic Zone: Alpine Desert

   Meals: B, L, D

   Hut: Horombo Camp

5. Day 5: Horombo Hut to Moshi

   • After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue climbing down through the bush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
   • A vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration. Transfer to the Kilimanjaro Airport to conclude the tour.

   Elevation: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 5,500 ft / 1,700 m

   Distance: 18km

   Time: 5-7 hours

   Meals: B