Day 1: Marangu Gate 1860m/6100ft to Mandara Hut 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Montane Forest
On the first morning, your guide will take you from the hotel to Marangu Gate the Kilimanjaro Park Gate (1,860 m.) lies at the edge of Marangu, which is an attractive village with many small coffee and banana plantations. After completing the entrance formalities, we climb up through attractive and unspoiled forest to reach the clearing containing Mandara Hut (2,700 m.). The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby and make a good afternoon excursion. An alternative is to rest and enjoy the beautiful forest. There is a rich birdlife at the huts and monkeys are often seen as well.

Day 2: Mandara Hut 2700m/8875ft to Horombo Hut 3700m/12200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Heathland
The first part of the walk is a steep ascent through forest, but the path soon opens out into grassy moorland and, in clear weather, there are good views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We climb steadily through the moorland zone, containing giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach Horombo Hut (3,700 m.). Sunrises and sunsets here are often very stunning, the site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo, and there is a real sense of being above the clouds.

Day 3: Horombo Hut 3700m/12,200ft to Kibo Hut 4700m/15,500ft
Distance: 9km/5.5mi Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
We climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to scree and there is a palpable sense of high-altitude wilderness. We usually reach Kibo Hut (4,700 m.) at the bottom of the crater wall by midday and the afternoon is free (to contemplate the summit ascent!!). The remainder of the day is spent resting and eating in preparation for the final climb before a very early night!

Day 4: Kibo Hut 4700m/15,500ft to Summit 5895m/19,340ft to Horombo Hut 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down Habitat: Alpine Desert
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. 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.

Day 5: Horombo Hut 3700m/12,200ft to Marangu Gate 1700m/5500ft to Hotel
Distance: 20km/12.5mi Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Forest
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel