Itinerary

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

   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
   Mandara Hut
   After breakfast and a briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register, and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A visit to Maundi Crater is a great way to see the surrounding area, which includes northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.

2. Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

   Elevation: 9,000 ft (2,700 m) to 12,100 ft (3,700 m).
   Distance: 11 km
   Time: 6–8 hours
   Climatic Zone: Heathland/Moorland
   Meals: B, L, and D
   Hut: Horombo Hut
   You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. The views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and gounsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.

3. Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

   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, and D
   Hut: Kibo Hut
   Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking into the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Upper heathland vegetation gives way to "moonscape" vegetation. Dinner, rest, and summit preparations.

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

   
   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, and D
   Hut: Horombo Camp
   Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 a.m.), 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 descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
   The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is the most difficult part of the trek, with many switchbacks. Going slowly, "pole pole," and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

5. Day 5: Horombo Hut to Moshi

   Elevation: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 5,500 ft / 1,700 m
   Distance: 18km
   Time: 5-7 hours
   Meals: B
   After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue climbing down 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!