Itinerary

1. Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut.

   On the first morning, your guide will take you from the hotel to Marangu Gate the Kilimanjaro Park Gate (1,830 m.) lies at the edge of Marangu, which is an attractive village with many small coffee and banana plantations. After completing the entrance formalities, we climb up through attractive and unspoiled forest to reach the clearing containing Mandara Hut (2,700 m.). The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby, and make a good afternoon excursion. An alternative is to rest and enjoy the beautiful forest. There is a rich birdlife at the huts and monkeys are often seen as well. [3-5 hours walking to Mandara Hut]

2. Day 2 - Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

   The first part of the walk is a steep ascent through forest, but the path soon opens out into grassy moorland and, in clear weather, there are good views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We climb steadily through the moorland zone, containing giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach Horombo Hut (3,720 m.). Sunrises and sunsets here are often very stunning, the site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo, and there is a real sense of being above the clouds. [4-6 hours walking from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut]

3. Day 3 - Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

   We climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to screed, and there is a palpable sense of high-altitude wilderness. We usually reach Kibo Hut (4,700 m.) at the bottom of the crater wall by midday, and the afternoon is free (to contemplate the summit ascent!!). The remainder of the day is spent resting and eating in preparation for the final climb before a very early night! [4-5 hours walking from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut]

4. Day 4 -Summit Day then down to Horombo Hut

   We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up at Gillman’s Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep over loose volcanic screen, but there are some well-graded zigzag and a slow but steady pace will have us up to Gillman’s (5,685 m.) in about five or six hours. We will rest there and spend some time taking in the sunrise. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.) passing close to the spectacular glaciers that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent is surprisingly fast and we return to Horombo Hut for the night. [11-15 hours walking from Kibo Hut to Gillman’s Point]

5. Day 4 - Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

   Elevation: 5895 m/19,340 ft. to 4700 m/15,500 ft. down to 3700 m/12,200 feet.

   Distance: 15 km/9 mi down, 6 km/4 km up.

   Hiking Duration: 7-8 hours upward and downward.

   Habitat: Alpine Desert 

   • Start your ascent to the top very early in the morning (between midnight and two in the morning), following a steep and hard scree or snow trail to Gilman’s Point, which is situated on the crater rim. 
   • Moving forward, we will now reach Africa’s highest point, Uhuru Peak. 
   • Everywhere one looks is breathtaking scenery. Get a photo shot at the top so you can share your loved ones.
   • From here, we descend to the Horombo campsite, pausing at Kibo for lunch and a break.

6. Day 5 -Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate to Hotel

   After breakfast, we will start with a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara and then a lovely forest walk to the National Park gates. Your guide then takes you to your hotel, where you get a well-deserved rest.

   The greenness and lushness of the forest are quite a stunning contrast to the summit day, and it makes you realize how varied the scenery on Kilimanjaro is. [5-6 hours walking]