Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut

• Elevation : 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
• Distance : 8km/5mi
• Hiking Time : 3-4 hours
• Habitat : Montane Forest
• Meals : LD
• Budget Lodging : Mandara Hut

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the trek. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara Huts. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.

Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

• Elevation : 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
• Distance : 12km/7.5mi
• Hiking Time : 5-6 hours
• Habitat : Heathland
• Meals : BLD
• Budget Lodging : Horombo Hut

You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo Huts. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.

Acclimatization Day - Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge - Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut

• Elevation : 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft
• Distance : 5 km
• Hiking Time : 2-3 hours
• Habitat : Heath

• Elevation : 14,400 ft to 12,205 ft
• Distance : 5 km
• Hiking Time : 1-2 hours
• Habitat : Heath

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut

Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

• Elevation : 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
• Distance : 9km/5.5mi
• Hiking Time : 5-6 hours 
• Habitat : Alpine Desert
• Meals : BLD
• Budget Lodging : Kibo Hut

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto 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 the summit climb.

Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut

• Elevation : 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft to 3700m/12,200ft
• Distance : 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
• Hiking Time : 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
• Habitat : Alpine Desert
• Meals : BLD
• Budget Lodging : Horombo Hut

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. There are unbelievable views at every turn. 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 Huts.

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 by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly (pole pole) and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Arusha or Moshi

• Elevation : 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
• Distance : 20km/12.5mi 
• Hiking Time : 4-5 hours
• Habitat : Forest 
• Meals : B

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. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Bestday Safaris vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel.