Itinerary

1. Day 01: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

   • In the morning, you'll be picked up from your hotel in Moshi for a 45-minute drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate via Marangu Village. 
   • While permits are issued, you'll observe crews preparing for their journey. 
   • As you hike through the scenic rainforest with winding trails, your guide will share insights on local flora, fauna, and wildlife. The trail can be muddy and slippery at lower elevations, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended.

2. Day 02: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

   • After a restful night and breakfast, you'll leave the rainforest and ascend through heathland, spotting giant lobelias and groundsels. 
   • Continuing into the open moorlands with small shrubs, you'll pause for lunch, enjoying views of Mawenzi. 
   • Later in the afternoon, you'll reach the Horombo Hut beneath the stunning Kibo Summit. At this elevation, temperatures will start to drop.

3. Day 03: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

   • After breakfast, you'll trek through the fading heathland into a barren moonscape, crossing the vast saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. 
   • During a lunch stop and traversing the saddle, you'll get a clear view of Kibo Summit, where your ascent will begin in just a few hours.

4. Day 04: Kibo Hut - Summit - Horombo Hut

   • Excitement builds with an early start between midnight and 2:00 am for the trek's most mentally and physically demanding part. 
   • Ascending in switchbacks through scree and possibly snow, you'll reach Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. Fast hikers may catch the sunrise at the summit. The final one-hour climb to Uhuru Peak is often snowy. 
   • Congratulations—you've reached the highest point on Kilimanjaro and in Africa! After celebrating and taking photos, you'll begin the steep descent to Horombo Huts, stopping at Kibo for lunch and a short rest.

5. Day 05: Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate - Moshi

   • After breakfast and a farewell ceremony with your crew, you'll begin the descent, stopping at Mandara Huts for lunch. Tipping your guides, cooks, and porters here is a sincerely and humbly customary way. 
   • Afterwards, you'll reach the Marangu Park Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificates. The warmer weather makes the terrain wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. 
   • From the gate, a vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved hot shower, dinner, and celebrations.