Itinerary
- Day 1
Kilimanjaro National Park Gate to Mandara Huts
After breakfast, you'll drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate to register and start your trek. The first section takes you through the rainforest to Mandara Huts, and there's an optional detour to Maundi Crater if you want views across Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Along the way, keep your eyes open for Eucalyptus trees, various bird species, and Colobus monkeys swinging through the canopy.
- Start point
- Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (Kilimanjaro International Airport, 00:00 - 23:55)
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
Included Activities
- Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate and register
- Trek through rainforest to Mandara Huts
- Optional side trip to Maundi Crater
Landmarks Kilimanjaro National Park Maundi Crater - Day 2
Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts
You'll leave the rainforest behind as the path climbs across open moorlands leading to Horombo Huts. The views here are really nice, with both Mawenzi and Kibo summits coming into view. Watch for giant lobelias and groundsels scattered along the landscape. This is where you might start feeling the altitude, so pace yourself and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Accommodation
Included Activities
- Trek from Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts through moorlands
Landmarks Mawenzi Peak Kibo Peak - Day 3
Horombo Huts (Rest Day)
Today is a rest day at Horombo Hut, which gives your body time to acclimatize to the elevation. If you're feeling good and want to do more, there's an optional trek up to Mawenzi Peak available. Most people use this day to rest, hydrate, eat well, and prepare mentally for the harder climbing ahead.
- Accommodation
Optional Activities
- Trek up to Mawenzi Peak
Landmarks Mawenzi Peak - Day 4
Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts
You'll climb past the last reliable water source and head onto the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. The vegetation changes to upper heathland before the landscape becomes almost lunar and barren. Dinner gets served before you settle in for the night, as you'll need rest and preparation for the midnight or early morning summit push that comes next.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
Included Activities
- Trek from Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts across the Kilimanjaro saddle
Landmarks Kibo Peak Mawenzi Peak - Day 5
Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak and Return to Horombo Huts
The summit attempt starts very early, typically between midnight and 2 am. You'll climb steeply over heavy scree or snow to reach Gilman's Point on the crater rim, then push on to Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point. After reaching the top, you descend to Kibo for lunch and rest before heading back down to Horombo Huts. Layer up with all your warm clothing since it'll be freezing during the dark climb, and bring a headlamp or flashlight for the predawn section.
- Meals
- Lunch
- Accommodation
Included Activities
- Summit climb from Kibo Huts to Gilman's Point
- Continue ascent to Uhuru Peak
- Descent to Kibo Huts for lunch and rest
- Descent to Horombo Huts
Landmarks Uhuru Peak Gilman's Point - Day 6
Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate and Arusha
You'll make a steady descent through moorland back to Mandara Hut, then continue down through dense forest to the National Park gate at Marangu. The forest path tends to be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles help here. Switch into shorts and a t-shirt for comfort on the way down. Your driver-guide will be waiting at the gate to pick you up and take you back to your hotel in Arusha.
- End point
- Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (Kilimanjaro International Airport(JRO), 00:00 - 23:55)
Included Activities
- Descent from Horombo Huts through moorland to Mandara Hut
- Trek through forest to Marangu National Park Gate
- Transfer from gate to hotel in Arusha
Landmarks Marangu Gate
