If you’ve opted for the airport transfer, you’ll be picked up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and driven to your hotel in Arusha. After checking in, you will have a pre-trek briefing at your hotel. During the briefing, we’ll review the trek details, go over your equipment, and provide any rentals needed. It’s recommended to arrive at least one day before the trek begins.

After breakfast and final preparations, you’ll drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about a 2-hour drive). Once you register at the gate, you’ll begin your hike through the rainforest towards Mandara Hut. Along the way, there is an optional side trip to Maundi Crater, offering views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, enjoy the lush surroundings and observe Eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft

Distance: 8km/5mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

After breakfast, you’ll leave the rainforest behind as you ascend onto the open moorlands toward Horombo Hut. On the way, enjoy stunning views of Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Summit. This section of the trek is marked by the appearance of giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of altitude as you reach higher elevations.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft

Distance: 12km/7.5mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Heathland

Today’s trek takes you higher, passing the last watering point as you head onto the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. As you climb, vegetation gives way to a sparse “moonscape.” Once you reach Kibo Hut, you’ll rest, have dinner, and prepare for the final summit climb early the next morning.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft

Distance: 9km/5.5mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

The summit ascent begins in the early hours of the morning (midnight to 2 am). The trail is steep, with scree or snow covering the path as you ascend to Gilman’s Point (5700m/18,700ft) on the crater rim. From there, you’ll continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, at 5895m/19,340ft. After taking in the incredible views, you’ll descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft (Summit)

Descend: 3700m/12,200ft (Horombo Hut)

Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, you’ll descend back through the moorland to Mandara Hut and continue through lush forest to the Marangu Gate. This final descent is relatively easy but may be muddy. Once you reach the gate, your vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi (about a 1-hour drive).

Meals: Breakfast

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft

Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Forest