• Rising: 9,000 ft / 2,700 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m

 • Stretch: 11 km

 • Hike time: 6-8 hours

 • Climatic habitat: Heathland/ Moorland

 • Meals: B, L, D

 • Shelter: Horombo Hut

Hiker(s) will leave the openings of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open hills to the Horombo camping area. Visibility of the summit of Kibo and Mawenzi are awesome. Look for groundsels and giant lobelias. Hiker(s) may arise to feel the effects of the gaining of altitude. 

Elevation: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 15,400 ft / 4,700 m

Distance: 10 km

Time: 6-8 hours

Climatic Zone: Alpine Desert

Meals: B, L, D

Hut: Kibo Hut

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking into the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.

Elevation: 15,400 ft / 4,700 m to 19,300 ft / 5,895 m 19,300 ft / 5,895 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m

Distance: 4 km up / 14 km down

Time: 10-15 hours

Climatic Zone: Alpine Desert

Meals: B, L, D

Hut: Horombo Camp

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), 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 extraordinary views at every turn. You will have some 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 the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Elevation: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 5,500 ft / 1,700 m

Distance: 18km

Time: 5-7 hours

Meals: B

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue climbing down through bush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

A vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!