– Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara Hut (2700m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking duration: 3-4 hours

Distance: Around 12 kilometers

Habitat: Montane forest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After enjoying an early breakfast at the hotel, the operator will be picked up and transported to the Marangu Gate. At the gate, porters will organize and pack the hiking gear while the operator and guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). The ascent into the rainforest then begins. During this part of the hike, rain, mud, and fog are common, and wildlife such as Colobus monkeys may be spotted. After 3-4 hours of climbing, the Mandara Hut (2700m) is reached. Each hut accommodates 6-8 people (total capacity of 60 hikers) and is equipped with solar-powered lighting. Flush toilets are available next to the central hut. Porters, who arrive at the campsite ahead of the clients, will boil water for drinking and washing. The chef will prepare a snack followed by dinner for the clients. At night, temperatures on the mountain may drop to freezing, so it’s important to be prepared!

Mandara Hut (2700m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking duration: 6 hours

Distance: Around 15 kilometers

Habitat: Moorland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, hikers will continue their ascent out of the rainforest and into the heathen moorland. The route passes the Maundi Crater, where hikers can climb to its rim for a stunning view of the Kibo Crater. In the moorland, exotic plants such as giant lobelia and groundsel can be seen. After 6 hours of hiking, Horombo Hut (3720m) is reached. Horombo Hut accommodates 120 hikers and is situated on a small plateau. As on the first night, porters will prepare drinking and washing water. Evening snacks and dinner will be prepared by the chef. Prepare for a cold night as temperatures can drop below freezing at this location.

Horombo Hut (3720m) – Acclimatization day

Mount Kilimanjaro - At Horombo Hut, the day is spent allowing the body to acclimate to the high altitude. There is an option for a day hike to Mawenzi Hut (4600m) for further acclimatization with the guide. Breakfast and dinner will be served at the hut, and lunch can either be packed or enjoyed at the hut, depending on preference.

Horombo Hut (3720m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking duration: 6 hours

Distance: Around 15 kilometers

Habitat: Alpine desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After an early morning breakfast, the ascent continues into the alpine desert habitat. Hikers can choose between two trails leading to Kibo Hut (4700m). The upper route (to the right of the fork) is the same trail used the previous day for the day hike to Mawenzi Hut. The lower route (to the left of the fork) is more popular as it is a shorter hiking distance (1 hour less).

Kibo Hut is located in the “Saddle,” the area between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but mineral water and soft drinks can be purchased at the camp office. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. The guide will provide a detailed briefing on how to prepare for summit night. It’s advisable to sleep by 19:00!

Summit Attempt

Mount Kilimanjaro - Kibo Hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)

Hiking duration: 8 hours to Uhuru and 6 hours to Horombo

Distance: Around 6 kilometers ascent and 21 kilometers descent

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The guide will wake the operator around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. The summit attempt then begins. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). The ascent continues to Gillman’s Point (5681m). Reaching this section is a remarkable achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, a snow-covered trail is usually encountered until reaching the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime achievement! A short time is spent at the summit taking photographs and enjoying tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours.

At Kibo Hut, there is time to rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, the descent continues down to Horombo Hut (3720m). Dinner, washing, and a restful sleep await at the hut after a challenging day.

Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking duration: 6 hours

Distance: Around 27 kilometers

Meals: Breakfast

After a well-deserved breakfast, the staff will host a big celebration filled with dancing and singing. It is on the mountain that tips are presented to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, the descent continues for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates, and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, the operator will drive back to Moshi town for long-awaited showers and further celebrations.

• All park and hut fees included
• 3 nutritious meals daily during the trek
• Round-trip private transport from Kilimanjaro Airport
• Professional mountain guides, cook, and porters
• 2-night accommodation in Moshi
• Safe drinking water and hot water for washing
• Emergency medical equipment
• Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees covered
• All government taxes and 18% VAT included

• Travel insurance
• Flights
• Tips for guides, porters and cook

At Kilisa Tours and Safari, your protection and wellbeing, along with your family’s, is our utmost consideration. We take the utmost care whether you’re adventuring on a thrilling safari, summiting majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, or embracing the African coast, we’re constantly ensuring your well-being. Our vast industry experience and local expertise help us to effectively mitigate any potential hazards. Feel free to speak to our specialists regarding any queries or apprehensions about your security or convenience during your safari venture.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.