Arrival Day

When you arrive in Tanzania, whether through Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be greeted by our native professional driver guide, who will provide you with important information and details about your trip and program. He will help you load and sort your luggage into the car before driving you to the hotel for rest, dinner, and overnight. Along the way to the hotel, you will hear and enjoy the best stories and information about Tanzania and its people’s culture from your driver guide.

Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts

Elevation: 1830m to 2740m

After breakfast, depart from Moshi/Arusha for Marangu Gate. We will patiently await the issuance of our permits while observing the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. While your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife, you can enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails. The trail can be muddy and slippery at these lower elevations. Gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended here. 

Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts

Elevation: 2740m to 3690m

We emerge from the rain forest after a restful night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast and continue on an ascending path through the heathland in search of giant lobelias and groundsels. Continue up into the open moorlands, where small shrubs predominate. Stop halfway for lunch and to take in the breathtaking views of Mawenzi. Arrive late in the afternoon at the Horombo Huts, which are located beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint. Temperatures start to fall.

Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts

Elevation: 3690m to 4695m

After breakfast, we continue ascending through the fading heathland, which blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle that connects Mawenzi and Kibo. You can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will begin in just a few hours here while we stop for lunch, and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle.

Kibo Huts to Summit

Elevation: 4695m to 5895m

The anticipation is growing as the morning approaches with an early start between midnight. This is the most mentally and physically demanding portion of the trek.

We continue our ascent in a switchback formation, trying to stay warm and focused on the incredible sense of accomplishment that awaits us. We ascend through heavy scree and possibly snow towards Gillman’s Point on the crater rim using a switchback motion. During your brief stay here, you will be rewarded with a spectacular sunrise. Faster hikers may be able to see the sunrise from the summit. You will most likely encounter snow on your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Congratulations, you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent!

We take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment after photos, celebrations, and possibly a few tears of joy. We begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, pausing for lunch and a brief rest at Barafu. For uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain, we strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles. Enjoy your final evening on the mountain with some well-deserved rest. Overnight stay at Mweka Camp. 

Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate

Elevation: 3690m to 1830m

It’s time to say goodbye after breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew. We continue our descent, stopping for lunch at the Mandara Huts. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters because you’ll be leaving them behind. Return to the Marangu Park Gate to collect your summit certificates. The terrain is wet, muddy, and steep due to the warmer weather, and we strongly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. A vehicle will meet you at the gate and drive you back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha.