After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up and driven to the Marangu Gate (1980m). At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, look out for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! After 3-4 hours of ascending, you will reach the Mandara Hut (2700m). Each hut has 6-8 sleeping bunks (sleeps 60 hikers total) with solar generated lighting. Next to the central hut there are flush toilets. The porters, who arrive at the campsite before the clients, will boil water for drinking and washing. The chef will prepare a snack then dinner for the clients. At nighttime, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing, so be prepared!

Elevation: 1980m to 2700m

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Distance: Approximately 12 kilometers

Habitat: Mountain forest

Meal: Lunch – Dinner

Following breakfast, you will begin your ascent out of the rainforest and into the heather moorland. We will pass the Maundi Crater and are able to climb up to its rim for a spectacular view of the Kibo Crater. In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. After 6 hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut (3720m). Horombo Hut sleeps 120 hikers and is located on a small plateau. Similar to the first night, the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this site.

Elevation: 2700m to 3720m

Hiking time: 6 hours

Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers

Habitat: Moorland

Meal: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

At Horombo Hut, you will spend the day allowing your body to acclimate to high altitude. You will have the option of doing a day hike to Mawenzi Hut (4600m) for further acclimatization with your guide. Breakfast and dinner will be at the hut and lunch will either be packed or at the hut depending on your preference for the day.

Elevation (Optional): 3720m to 4600m

Meal: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Following an early morning breakfast, you will continue your ascent into the alpine desert habitat. Hikers have the option of 2 trails that lead to Kibo Hut (4700m). The upper route (located to the right of the fork) is the same trail used the previous day for the day hike to Mawenzi Hut. The lower route (located to the left of the fork) is the more popular route because it is a shorter hiking distance (1 hour shorter).

Kibo Hut is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!

Elevation: 3720m to 4700m

Hiking time: 6 hours

Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers

Habitat: Alpine desert

Meal: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow-covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours.

At Kibo Hut, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m). You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a strenuous day.

Elevation: 4700m to 5895 m, down to 3720m

Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru and 6 hours to Horombo

Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers ascent and 21 kilometers descent

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Meal: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. After celebrating, you will descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. After receiving certificates, you will drive back to town for long overdue showers and more celebration:

Elevation: 3720m to 1980m

Hiking time: 6 hours

Distance: Approximately 17 kilometers

Meal: Breakfast – Lunch