Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Activity: Trek briefing and preparation
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Moshi, a vibrant town at the foot of Kilimanjaro. After checking in, you will attend a pre-trek briefing, where your guide will explain the itinerary, safety procedures, and necessary gear checks. If you need additional gear, you can rent or buy it locally. If time allows, you may explore Moshi town, visit a coffee plantation, or relax at the hotel before an early night’s rest to prepare for your trek..
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Mandara Hut (2,720m / 8,923ft)
After breakfast, a short drive takes you to Marangu Gate (1,860m / 6,102ft), where you will register with the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority. The trek begins through a dense rainforest, home to colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and tropical bird species. The well-maintained trail gently ascends, with mist-covered trees and occasional waterfalls adding to the scenic beauty. After a few hours, you arrive at Mandara Hut, a collection of wooden cabins surrounded by lush vegetation. In the afternoon, you can take a short side trek to Maundi Crater, which offers stunning views of Mawenzi Peak and the surrounding plains.
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Trekking Time: 6–8 hours
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (3,720m / 12,205ft)
Leaving the rainforest behind, you will enter the heather and moorland zone, where the landscape becomes rocky and open. The trail gently ascends, offering spectacular views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. Along the way, you will encounter giant lobelias and senecios, unique plants that thrive at high altitudes. The air becomes drier, and temperatures drop as you gain altitude. By the time you reach Horombo Hut, you will notice a significant change in the climate. Horombo is a larger camp, often used by climbers on longer acclimatization schedules. In the evening, enjoy breathtaking sunset views before resting for the next day’s challenge.
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
Accommodation: Kibo Hut (4,703m / 15,430ft)
Today’s trek takes you into the alpine desert zone, a barren and rocky terrain with very little vegetation. You will pass the "Last Water Point" at around 4,130m (13,550ft), where trekkers refill their bottles before the final ascent. The path becomes steeper as you approach Kibo Hut, the base camp for your summit attempt. The air is thinner, and you may start feeling the effects of altitude, so trekking at a slow and steady pace is essential. Upon arrival, you will have an early dinner and rest, as the summit push begins just after midnight.
Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles) (6 km ascent, 14 km descent)
Trekking Time: 10–14 hours
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (3,720m / 12,205ft)
Your summit attempt begins around midnight, with headlamps lighting the path. The steep and challenging ascent to Gilman’s Point (5,685m / 18,651ft) takes 5–6 hours, followed by a trek along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft), the highest point in Africa. As the sun rises, you will witness breathtaking panoramic views, making all the effort worthwhile. After a short time at the summit, you will descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut, where a warm meal and well-deserved rest await.
Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
Trekking Time: 6–8 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
The final descent takes you back through the moorlands and lush rainforests, where you can admire colorful flora and spot wildlife along the way. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you will receive your summit certificate, marking your incredible achievement. After bidding farewell to your mountain crew, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration, reflecting on your unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. If you wish to extend your stay, optional tours to Zanzibar, Serengeti, or Ngorongoro can be arranged.
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