Itinerary

1. Day 1 - Hotel to Mandara Hut

   Elevation: 2700 m/8875 ft. to 1860 m/6100

   Distance: 5 miles (8 km)

   Duration of Hike: 3–4 hours

   Habitat: Forest of Montane 

   • Drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate (about 3 hours) after breakfast and briefing, register, and start the climb. To reach the Mandara camp, take a stroll through the rainforest. 
   • An excellent option to observe the surrounding area, which includes northern Tanzania and Kenya, is to take a detour to Maundi Crater. Look for Colobus monkeys, tall Eucalyptus trees, and a variety of birds in the jungle. 

2. Day 2 - Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

   Elevation: 2,700 meters (8875 feet) to 3,700 meters (12,200 feet)

   Distance: 7.5 miles (12 kilometers)

   Hiking time: 5–6 hours

   Habitat: heathland

   • The rainforest glades are left behind as you continue on a rising trail across the wide moorlands to the Horombo campsite. 
   • Amazing views of Kibo’s top and Mawenzi. 
   • Seek out enormous grounsels and lobelias. You can start experiencing the effects of the altitude.

    

3. Day 3 - Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

   Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft,
   Distance: 9km/5.5mi,
   Hiking Time: 5-6 hours,
   Distance: 9km/5.5mi,
   Habitat: Alpine Desert.

   • Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. 
   • Vegetation begins with the upper heathland but then disappears into a “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for the summit climb. 

4. 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.

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 to Moshi

   Distance: 20 km/12.5 mi

   Elevation: 3700 m/12,200 ft to 1700 m/5500 ft

   Duration of Hike: 4-5 hours

   • Following breakfast, we make our way through the moorland to the Mandara Hut on a gradual slope. 
   • Proceed to descend a route in lush woodland to reach the National Park entrance located at Marangu. 
   • It can be muddy and damp at lower altitudes. Trekking poles and gaiters will be useful. You should wear plenty of shorts and T-shirts (have warm clothes and rain gear accessible). 
   • At Marangu Gate, a car will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel in Arusha (about three hours).