Itinerary

1. Day-1: Arrival in Moshi

   If you have opted for optional airport transfers, we will pick you up at Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should plan to arrive at least one day before the trek begins. Today, we will take some time to conduct a pre-excursion briefing. We will also evaluate your equipment and rent any equipment.

2. Day-2: Mandara Camp to Maundi Crater

   After breakfast and briefing, drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (approximately 1 hour), sign up and start the climb. Hike through the rainforest to Mandara Camp. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a great way to see the surrounding area, including northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, watch for towering eucalyptus trees, birds and colobus monkeys.
   Altitude: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
   Distance: 8km
   Walking time: 3-4 hours
   Habitat: Mountain forest
   Meals: Lunch and dinner

3. Day-3: Maundi Crater to Horombo Camp

   You leave the rainforest clearings and follow an ascending path over open moorland to Camp Horombo. The view of Mawenzi and the peak of Kibo is breathtaking. Look for giant lobelias and grouse. You can begin to feel the effects of altitude.
   Altitude: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
   Distance: 12km/7.5 miles
   Journey time: 5-6 hours
   Habitat: Heide
   Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

4. Day-4: Rest day

   Rest day at Horombo Refuge with an optional hike through Mawenzi Peak.
   Altitude: 3700m/12,200ft
   Distance: 0 km/0 miles
   Journey time: 0 hours
   Habitat: Heide
   Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

5. Day-5: Horombo Hut

   Going up, we now pass the last point of water and go up the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The vegetation begins with the upper moor but then disappears into the "lunar landscape". Dinner, rest and preparation for the ascent to the summit.
   Altitude: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
   Distance: 9km/5.5 miles
   Journey time: 5-6 hours
   Habitat: Alpine desert
   Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

6. Day-6: Kibo Hut

   Begin the ascent to the summit very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am) on steep, heavy scree or snow to Gilman's point on the crater rim. We will continue and then go up to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. There are incredible views around every corner. Snap your photo at the top to show your friends and family. From there, we will dismount, stop for lunch and rest in Kibo before continuing to Horombo Camp.
   Altitude: 4,700m/15,500ft to 5,895m/19,340ft Up to 3700m/12,200ft
   Distance: 6km uphill/15km downhill
   Walking time: 6-8 hours

   Habitat: Alpine desert
   Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

7. Day-7: Horombo Hut

   After breakfast, a steady descent across the moor takes us to Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest track to the gate of Marangu National Park. It can be wet and muddy at lower elevations. Gaiters and trekking poles will help you. Shorts and T-shirts will probably suffice (have rain gear and warmer clothes handy). A vehicle will be waiting for you at the Marangu Gate to take you back to your hotel in Moshi (approximately 1 hour).
   Altitude: 3700m/12200ft to 1700m/5500ft
   Distance: 20km
   Walking time: 4-5 hours
   Habitat: Forest
   Meals: Breakfast