Emerging from the rainforest, you step into the surreal world of heather and moorland. The landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation as you gain altitude. Rolling hills covered in a tapestry of wildflowers stretch out before you, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. With each step, you ascend into the heaths and moorlands, a world seemingly untouched by time. As the day winds down, the setting sun casts long shadows across the rugged terrain, and you'll find yourself at Horombo Hut, where the air is crisp and the vistas are breathtaking.

Elevation: 2,700m/8,858ft to 3,720m/12,205ft

Distance: 12km/7.5 miles

Hiking time: 6-8 hrs

Habitat: Heath

After breakfast, we’ll begin today’s trek through the forest until we reach the moorlands. We may get our first views of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

See the magnificent Zebra Rock, it's black and white stripes formed by the natural forces of erosion, as you head explore the area between Horombo Hut and Mawenzi Ridge on this day of acclimatization.

Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge

Elevation: 3,720m/12,205ft to 4,390m/14,400ft

Distance: 5km/3 miles

Hiking time: 2-3 hrs

Habitat: Heath

Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 4,390m/14,400ft to 3,720m/12,205ft

Distance: 5km/3 miles

Hiking time: 1-2 hrs

Habitat: Heath

This day is specifically designed for acclimatization. We’ll enjoy a pleasant hike to the Mawenzi Ridge which offers expansive views over Kibo and Mawenzi. After enjoying a few moments exploring the area, we’ll then head back to Horombo Hut.

Today, your journey takes you into the high-altitude desert known as the Saddle. The landscape here is stark and otherworldly, a vast and windswept expanse that stands in stark contrast to the lushness of the rainforest below. The mighty Kibo Peak looms in the distance, marking the final ascent to the summit.

Elevation: 3,720m/12,205ft to 4,700m/15,430ft

Distance: 10km/6 miles

Hiking time: 6-8 hrs

Habitat: Alpine desert

Today is a 10km walk but it’s gradual. We’ll cross over the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo before we reach the Kibo Hut. The camp sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall and once we get there, we’ll enjoy an early dinner before preparing for the summit push.

In the stillness of the night, you embark on the ultimate challenge - the ascent to Uhuru Peak. With headlamps guiding your way, you navigate the rocky trail under a star-studded African sky. The biting cold and the relentless climb are met with unwavering determination as you inch closer to Uhuru Peak, the very roof of Africa. As dawn breaks, the horizon ignites into a breathtaking display of colors, and the overwhelming sense of accomplishment washes over you as you stand triumphantly atop the world at sunrise. 

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 34,700m/15,430ft to 5,895m/19,341ft

Distance: 6km/4 miles

Hiking time: 6-8 hrs

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 5,895m/19,341ft to 3,730m/12,250ft

Distance: 16km/10 miles

Hiking time: 4-5 hrs

Habitat: Heath

Very early in the morning (around midnight), you’ll be gently woken up with a hot cup of tea and a snack before we begin our final push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme.

While taking short, frequent breaks, we’ll be walking in darkness for several hours. Once we reach Gilman’s Point, you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Tanzania and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

With the summit conquered, you begin your descent, retracing your steps through the Saddle and back to Horombo Hut. The memories of your extraordinary journey linger in your heart as you gaze back at the towering Kilimanjaro, knowing that you've conquered its heights. The descent continues, and as you return to Marangu Gate, a profound sense of accomplishment and reflection accompanies you.

Elevation: 3,730m/12,250ft to 1,842m/6,046ft

Distance: 20km/12 miles

Hiking time: 5-7 hrs

Habitat: Rain forest

On our last day, we’ll have a long, steady trek down through the tropical forest. Please note that this section can be wet and slippery and another reason why trekking poles can be helpful! Our driver will be waiting to meet us here and transport us back to the hotel in Moshi where we will collect our summit certificates and enjoy a well-earned, local Kilimanjaro beer.