Day 0: Pre-Trek Briefing

If you've arranged airport transfers, we'll pick you up from Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport and take you to your Moshi hotel. Arrive at least a day prior to the trek. Today, we'll hold a pre-trek briefing at your hotel in Moshi, review your equipment, and provide any necessary rentals.

 

Day 1: Hotel to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and briefing, we drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour). Register and begin the climb. Trek through the rainforest to Mandara Hut. Consider a side trip to Maundi Crater for stunning views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Look out for towering Eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys.

Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

 

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Leave the rainforest and ascend through open moorlands to Horombo Hut. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may start feeling the effects of altitude.

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

 

Day 3: Rest Day at Horombo Hut

Rest day at Horombo Hut with an optional hike near Mawenzi Peak.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 0km/0mi
Hiking Time: 0 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Ascend past the last watering point, reaching the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Vegetation transitions to upper heathland and eventually disappears into the alpine desert. Prepare for the summit climb.

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

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Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

Start the summit climb in the early hours, reaching Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, then ascend to Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point. Descend to Horombo Hut, marveling at the incredible views along the way.

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft (up) / Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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Day 6: Horombo Hut to Moshi

After breakfast, descend through moorland to Mandara Hut and then through lush forest to Marangu gate. A vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi.

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