Tour Itinerary

• Day 0 Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi

  Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our dedicated transfer driver will warmly welcome you and escort you to your accommodation at Hotel Moshi. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind at the hotel or explore the charming town of Moshi at your own pace (transportation via taxi is required). In the evening, you will attend a comprehensive briefing session to prepare for your upcoming trek. Dinner will be served at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay, ensuring you are well-rested for the adventure ahead.

• Day 1From Hotel to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

  After a hearty breakfast and a final trek briefing, you will embark on a scenic drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, a journey of approximately one hour. Upon arrival, you will complete the registration process before officially beginning your climb. Your adventure starts with a captivating trek through the lush rainforest, where towering eucalyptus trees form a natural canopy, and the air is filled with the songs of exotic birds. Keep an eye out for the striking black-and-white Colobus monkeys as they gracefully leap between the branches. Upon reaching Mandara Hut, you’ll have the option to take a short side trip to Maundi Crater—a breathtaking vantage point offering sweeping views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. This first day on the mountain sets the stage for an unforgettable journey to the summit.

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

• Day 2Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

  As you leave the lush glades of the rainforest behind, the trail ascends into the vast, open moorlands, where the landscape dramatically transforms. The climb to Horombo Hut offers breathtaking panoramas, with sweeping views of Mawenzi’s jagged peaks and the majestic summit of Kibo rising in the distance. Along the way, you will encounter unique alpine vegetation, including the striking giant lobelias and towering groundsels, which thrive in this high-altitude environment. As you gain elevation, you may start to feel the effects of altitude, making it essential to pace yourself and stay hydrated. Upon reaching Horombo Hut, you can relax and take in the stunning surroundings, preparing for the next leg of your adventure.

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

• Day 3 Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

  As you continue your ascent, you will pass the last reliable water source before entering the striking high-altitude desert known as the Saddle—a vast, otherworldly expanse stretching between the towering peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The journey begins through the upper heathland, where hardy shrubs and grasses cling to the rugged terrain, but as you climb higher, the landscape transforms into an eerie "moonscape" of barren, windswept rock and volcanic ash. The air grows thinner, and the challenge intensifies, but the breathtaking scenery and the anticipation of the summit drive you forward. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you will enjoy an early dinner and rest in preparation for the most demanding and rewarding part of your journey—the final push to Uhuru Peak under the starlit sky.

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

• Day 4Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut

  Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

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

• Day 5Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi

  After breakfast, you will begin a steady descent from the high-altitude landscapes, making your way back through the moorlands toward Mandara Hut. As you continue your journey downward, the terrain gradually transitions into the lush rainforest, where towering trees and vibrant vegetation once again surround you. At lower elevations, the trail can become wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will provide extra support and stability. The warmer temperatures may allow for lighter clothing such as shorts and t-shirts, but it’s advisable to keep rain gear and warmer layers within reach. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi—a scenic one-hour drive where you can relax and reflect on your incredible achievement of conquering Africa’s highest peak.

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