Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

   • Arrive at Kilimanjaro airport, be picked up by our driver, and then be transferred to Springlands Hotel or a similar hotel in Moshi for overnight and morning breakfast.

2. Day 2: Hike to Mandara Hut

   • After breakfast, picked up from Springlands hotel and drive to Marangu gate then hike to Mandara hut.
   • Arrive at the gate. After registration, you will begin your journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro using a well-maintained trail through Montane Forest.
   • On the way, you’ll walk through dense rainforest and coffee plantations as your guide talks you through some of the local flora and fauna.
   • Here you will also get a very good chance of witnessing Black and White Colobus monkeys, as well as many different species of brightly-colored birds.
   • Mandara Hut is a group of dormitory-style wooden huts with solar-generated lighting.
   • The camp has all necessary facilities, including water and toilets.

3. Day 3: Trek to Horombo Huts

   • Mandara Huts (2,740 m/9,000 ft) to Horombo Huts (3,690 m/12,100 ft) 11 km, 6-8 hours Heath land.
   • You will continue with the hike from Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts; the trail passes through more of Montane Forest before transitioning into the moorland vegetation zone.
   • In the moorland, you’ll find rolling alpine meadows dotted with giant heather trees.
   • Once in the open moorland, you’ll also get the opportunity to see plants like the giant lobelia and giant groundsel, which can grow to an outstanding 16ft in height!
   • After approximately six hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut, where you’ll have hot water to wash, an evening meal, and an overnight rest.
   • Horombo is a village of huts perched on a small plateau with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers.

4. Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Huts

   • An extra day at Horombo Hut provides an opportunity to acclimatize and increase your chances of making it to the summit.
   • There are a number of walks within the vicinity of the huts which are strongly recommended to further help with the process of acclimatizing to the altitude.
   • The most popular hike is to the Mawenzi Saddle, passing the Zebra Rocks along the way.
   • Remember to drink enough water and move slowly (pole, pole).
   • After the four to five-hour hike (round-trip), you’ll then enjoy an evening meal before retreating to bed early for a good night’s rest.

5. Day 5: Trek to Kibo Huts

   • After breakfast, you will then continue to trek at a slow pace through the heathland, which quickly turns into an almost lunar-like landscape as you enter the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo.
   • During this hike, you may start to experience some symptoms of altitude sickness. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed.
   • From here, you will start to get fantastic views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit before arriving at Kibo Hut – a dry-stone-walled hut with dormitories and limited facilities.
   • Rest for the evening at Kibo Huts and prepare for your final ascent to Mount Kilimanjaro summit “Uhuru Peak!”

6. Day 6: Summit Day - Uhuru Peak and Descend to Horombo Huts

   • Summit Day! Kibo Huts (4,695 m/15,400 ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) to Horombo Huts (3,690 m/12,100 ft) 4 km up, 14 km down 10-15 hours Alpine Desert.
   • From here, it's where the going gets really tough! Just before midnight, you will venture into the night and begin your final ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
   • Head northwest through the heavy stone scree following multiple switchbacks between Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (5,685m).
   • This section is probably the most challenging part of the route and will require great physical and mental effort. Continue to move slowly, always listening to your guide.
   • After a short rest at Stella Point, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour before reaching your ultimate goal – Uhuru Peak! Congratulations! You have now made it to the “Roof of Africa”.
   • Weather conditions on the Mount Kilimanjaro summit will determine how long you will be able to spend there, but it is important to start your descent within good time to ensure you get enough rest back at Barafu Camp.
   • After your rest, you’ll gather the rest of your belongings and descend to Mweka Hut (3,100m) where you’ll enjoy dinner and a well-earned sleep!

7. Day 7: Descend to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi

   • Horombo Huts (3,690 m/12,100 ft) to Marangu Gate (1,830 m/6,000 ft) to Moshi (890 m/2,920 ft) 18 km, 5-7 hours: at Springlands hotel for overnight; bed and breakfast.

8. Day 8: Transfer to Airport

   • Transfer to the airport for the flight back home. End of the tour.