Itinerary

1. Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

   • Depart Moshi towards Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful tropical rainforest.
   • We can see blue monkeys at the upper edge of the forest line. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

2. Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

   • We start the day, continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

3. Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

   • We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall.
   • Upon arrival, we rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

4. Day 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

   • In the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme.
   • We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short breaks.
   • At Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.

5. Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

   • On our last day, we trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest.
   • Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates.
   • A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi for a hot shower.