Itinerary

1. Day one (1): Kilimanjaro National Park Gate to Mandara Hut

   • After having breakfast and consultation, a driver from Africa Natural Tours 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 birdlife which is attractive and beautiful.

2. Day two (2): Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

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

3. Day three (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 “moonscape”. Hiker(s) eat, relax, and prepare for the summit climb.

4. Day four (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 Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are awesome and unbelievable views at every turn. Hikers have your picture taken at the summit to show your 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 by going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa.

5. Day five (5): Horombo huts – Marangu gate – 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 from Africa natural tour will pick you up to the hotel.