Your adventure begins in Moshi town, where after a hearty breakfast, you’ll depart for the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. The trail leads you through the vibrant rainforest, where towering eucalyptus trees create a lush canopy overhead. As you hike the 8 kilometers (5 miles) to Mandara Hut, keep an eye out for playful Colobus monkeys and a variety of colorful birds. By afternoon, you’ll arrive at Mandara Hut, settle in, and enjoy a well-deserved dinner under the canopy of the rainforest.

After breakfast, leave the dense forest behind as you ascend into the open moorlands. The 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) hike to Horombo Hut offers breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak and the distant summit of Kibo. The landscape transforms around you, with giant lobelias and groundsels adding bursts of color to the vast, open vistas. Arriving at Horombo Hut in the late afternoon, you’ll relax and enjoy dinner amidst the serene moorland environment.

Today’s 9-kilometer (5.5 miles) trek takes you higher as you approach the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The vegetation becomes sparser, giving way to the stark, moon-like terrain of the upper heathlands. This day is both challenging and exhilarating, as you make your way to Kibo Hut. The dramatic scenery sets the stage for the summit climb ahead. After settling into Kibo Hut, you’ll have time to rest and prepare for the final ascent.

In the early hours of the morning, around 1:30 AM, your team begins the ascent to Uhuru Peak. The climb involves navigating steep scree and snowy terrain, culminating at Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. From there, it’s a final push to Africa’s highest point, where you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend back to Kibo Hut for a hearty lunch before continuing down to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight stay.

Your final day starts with breakfast as you begin the descent through the moorlands back to Mandara Hut. The trail takes you through the beautiful forest paths once more, where the sounds of the rainforest greet you. After reaching Mandara Hut, you’ll continue your descent to the Marangu National Park gate. Here, you’ll meet your transfer vehicle and journey back to Moshi Town, where your Kilimanjaro adventure concludes. Reflect on your incredible journey as you enjoy a farewell meal in Moshi.