Itinerary

1. Day 1- Marangu Gate - Mandara Hut

   • Take a short drive from Moshi town to the Kilimanjaro Park Gate (1,830 m) lying at the edge of Marangu, which is an attractive village with many small coffee and banana plantations. 

   • Complete the entrance formalities.

   • Climb up through the beautiful and unspoiled forest to reach the clearing where Mandara Hut (2,700 m.) is located. The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby and make a good afternoon excursion. 

   • Take some rest and enjoy the beautiful forest areas. Rich birdlife can be observed at the huts, and monkeys are often seen as well. 

2. Day 2- Climbing Kilimanjaro, Mandara Hut - Horombo Hut

   • Take a steep ascent through the forest, but the path soon opens out into grassy moorlands and, in clear weather, one can enjoy good views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. 

   • Climb steadily through the moorland zones, containing giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach Horombo Hut (3,720 m). The site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and there is a real sense of being above the clouds.

3. Day 3- Climbing Kilimanjaro, Horombo Hut - Kibo Hut

   • Climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. 

   • Reach Kibo hut (4,700 m) at the bottom of the crater wall by midday. Spend the afternoon free.

   • Take rest and eat to prepare for the final climb before a very early night.

4. Day 4- Climbing Kilimanjaro, Summit Day - Horombo Hut

   • Begin the ascent by torchlight at about 01:00 am so that we can reach Gillman's Point (5,685 m) before sunrise (5-6 hours).

   • 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. 

   • Descend and return to Horombo Hut for the night.

5. Day 5- Climbing Kilimanjaro, Horombo Hut – Moshi

   • Begin with a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara Hut.

   • Take a forest walk to the National Park gates to Arusha town. The greenness and lushness of the forest is quite a stunning contrast to the summit day.