Itinerary

1. Day-1: Kilimanjaro National Park Gate to Mandara Hut

   • After having breakfast and consultation, we will drive you to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes); hikers will be required to register and begin the climb. Hikers will walk through the rainforest to the Mandara camping area. A side trip to Maundi Crater is an excellent means to see the surroundings, including Northern Tanzania and Kenya.
     • In the rainforest, look for rising eucalyptus trees, colobus monkeys, and bird life, which is attractive and beautiful.

   Rising: 5,500 ft/1,700m to 9,000 ft/2,740m

   Stretch: 7km
   Hike time: 4-5 hours
   Climatic habitat: Montane forest
   Meals: Lunch, dinner
   Shelter: Mandara Hut

2. Day-2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

   • Hikers will leave the openings of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open hills to the Horombo camping area. The visibility of the summit of Kibo and Mawenzi is awesome. Look for groundsels and giant lobelias. Hikers may arise to feel the effects of the gaining of altitude.

   Rising: 9,000ft/2,700m to 12,100ft/3,700 m

   Stretch: 11 km

   Hike time: 6-8 hours

   Climatic habitat: Heathland/moorland

   Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

   Shelter: Horombo Hut

3. Day-3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

   • Climbing up on the Marangu route, we now pass the last watering point, walking into the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation arises with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Hikers eat, relax, and prepare for the summit climb.

   Rising: 12,100 ft/3,700m to 15,400ft/4,700m
   Stretch: 10 km
   Hike time: 6-8 hours
   Climatic habitat: Alpine Desert
   Meals: Breakfast, lunch

   Shelter: Kibo Hut

4. Day-4: Kibo Hut to Summit then Horombo Hut

   • Very early in the morning (from midnight to 2:00 am), hikers commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point, located on the crater flange. Continuing on, we now hike and ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are awesome and unbelievable views at every turn. Hikers, have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. 
   • From here, we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo camping ground. The starting of this climb to the summit is done in the dark and involves headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers and jackets. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek, with many switchbacks. Hike(s) are best informed going slowly “pole,” and an optimistic attitude will get you to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa.

   Rising: 15,400ft/4,700m to 19,300ft/5,895m; 19,300ft/5,895m to 12,100ft/3,700 m
   Stretch: 4 km up/14 km down
   Hike time: 10-15 hours
   Climatic habitat: Alpine Desert
   Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
   Shelter: Horombo camp

5. Day-5: Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate to Moshi

   • A long trek is in store for today. However, it is mostly downhill. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate, hikers pick up our certificate that shows our success, and the driver will pick you up at the hotel.