Day 0: Initial Orientation

If you’ve arranged for airport transfers, we’ll pick you up from Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. We recommend arriving at least a day before your trek begins. On this day, you’ll attend a pre-trek briefing at your hotel, where we’ll review your gear and help you with any necessary rentals.

Day 1: Hotel to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and the briefing, we’ll drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (approx. 1–2 hours). After registration, begin your climb through the lush rainforest to Mandara Hut. A side trip to Maundi Crater offers stunning views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Watch for eucalyptus trees, exotic birdlife, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

• Elevation: 1830m / 6000ft to 2700m / 8875ft
• Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Leave the rainforest and hike through open moorlands toward Horombo Hut. Enjoy panoramic views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, and marvel at the unique alpine vegetation like giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude today.

• Elevation: 2700m / 8875ft to 3700m / 12,200ft
• Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Heathland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Today you’ll trek past the last water point and enter the barren, otherworldly saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape becomes a vast alpine desert, with dramatic views and minimal vegetation. Rest early at Kibo Hut and prepare for your midnight summit attempt.

• Elevation: 3700m / 12,200ft to 4700m / 15,500ft
• Distance: 9 km / 5.5 mi
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Kibo Hut to Summit (Uhuru Peak) and Back to Horombo Hut

Start your climb between midnight and 2:00 AM, ascending slowly over steep scree or snow to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, and then on to Uhuru Peak (5895m)—Africa’s highest point. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Kibo Hut for rest and lunch, then continue down to Horombo Hut for the night.

• Elevation: 4700m / 15,500ft to 5895m / 19,341ft (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3700m / 12,200ft
• Distance: 6 km / 4 mi up & 15 km / 9 mi down
• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours ascent / 6–8 hours descent
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, Return to Moshi

After breakfast, begin your descent through the moorland to Mandara Hut, then continue through the rainforest to Marangu Gate. The trail may be wet and slippery, so trekking poles are helpful. A vehicle will meet you at the gate and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.

• Elevation: 3700m / 12,200ft to 1700m / 5500ft
• Distance: 20 km / 12.5 mi
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Forest
• Meals: Breakfast

Trekking Price Per Person (USD)