Our driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) and take you to your hotel in Moshi. Do not worry if you are slow clearing customs, our driver will be waiting for as long as necessary. After you settle in at your hotel, we will go through an equipment check with you. If any items are lacking, they can be rented at this time. Your guide will meet you for a thorough pre-climb briefing where all questions will be answered. For night time arrivals these things can be done the early the next morning.

• Overnight Location: Hotel in Moshi
• Travel Time: 45 minutes drive to Moshi
• Meals: None

• Elevation: 6,102 ft / 1,870 m → 8,858 ft / 2,700 m
• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Montane Rainforest

After breakfast and a scenic drive from Moshi or Arusha, arrive at Marangu Gate (1,870 m / 6,102 ft) for registration and final gear check. The hike begins through a rich rainforest ecosystem filled with lush vegetation, birds, and playful blue monkeys. The trail ascends gradually along a well-maintained path. You’ll enjoy cool shade and occasional glimpses of Colobus monkeys.
By afternoon, you’ll reach Mandara Hut, nestled in a forest clearing. After settling in, you may take a short walk to Maundi Crater for a panoramic view of Kenya’s interior on a clear day.

Overnight: Mandara Hut

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

• Elevation: 8,858 ft / 2,700 m → 12,205 ft / 3,720 m
• Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
• Habitat: Heath & Moorland

Today you’ll hike through an open landscape of giant heathers, wildflowers, and volcanic rock formations. The trail gradually climbs out of the rainforest and enters the heath zone, where trees are shorter and the air is drier.
As you gain altitude, views of Mawenzi Peak begin to emerge, often shrouded in mist. Expect fewer animals but keep an eye out for sunbirds and small rodents. The final stretch to Horombo Hut can feel long, but the changing scenery and anticipation make it rewarding.

Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meal Plan: Full Board

• Elevation: 12,205 ft / 3,720 m → 13,123 ft / 4,000 m (Zebra Rocks)

• Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles roundtrip

• Hiking Time: 2–4 hours

• Habitat: Moorland

This extra day at Horombo Hut allows your body to adjust to higher altitude, improving summit success rates. After breakfast, take a short acclimatization hike to Zebra Rocks—a popular lava outcrop with distinctive black-and-white stripes. Return to camp for hot lunch and rest, enjoying stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks.

Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meal Plan: Full Board

• Elevation: 12,205 ft / 3,720 m → 15,430 ft / 4,703 m

• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles

• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Leave the lush vegetation behind as you hike through the alpine desert, crossing the wide saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The trail is dry, dusty, and exposed—carry enough water from Horombo as this is the last water point. The hike is long and physically demanding but incredibly scenic. Arrive at Kibo Hut, resting at the base of Kilimanjaro’s summit cone. Eat early and sleep—tomorrow is summit day!

Overnight: Kibo Hut
Meal Plan: Full Board

• Elevation:

  • Ascent: 15,430 ft / 4,703 m → 19,341 ft / 5,895 m

  • Descent: 19,341 ft / 5,895 m → 12,205 ft / 3,720 m

• Distance:
• Ascent: 6 km / 3.7 miles
• Descent: 16 km / 10 miles
  Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
  Habitat: Arctic to Moorland

Rise at 11:00 PM for a hot drink, then begin the summit attempt at midnight under a star-filled sky. The trail climbs through volcanic scree with switchbacks leading to Gilman’s Point (18,652 ft / 5,685 m). Take a short rest, then push on along the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa!

After unforgettable sunrise views and celebration photos, descend to Kibo Hut for a short break, then continue down to Horombo Hut. Expect fatigue, but also deep satisfaction.

Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meal Plan: Full Board

• Elevation: 12,205 ft / 3,720 m → 6,102 ft / 1,870 m

• Distance: 20 km / 12.5 miles

• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

• Habitat: Moorland to Rainforestard

Your final descent takes you back through heath and lush rainforest to Marangu Gate. Enjoy your last moments on Kilimanjaro, soaking in the forest’s natural sounds and clean mountain air. At the gate, receive your summit certificate—green for Gilman’s Point or gold for Uhuru Peak. After group photos and farewells to your mountain crew, return to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and rest.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel is included in the climb package. Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro Airport. If you have booked a safari, we typically will leave just after breakfast. Checkout time at the hotel is 10am. If you have a flight departing later in the day, we will try to obtain a late checkout for you or arrange for a day room if you desire.

• Travel Time: 45 minutes drive to Kilimanjaro Airport
• Meals: Breakfast