11KM/3MI | 6-8HRS | MOORELAND Elevation: 2740m/9000ft to 3690m/12,100ft

We emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path through the heathland, looking for giant lobelias and grounds after a good night’s sleep. In the open moorlands, small shrubs dominate the vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch, to enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi. Arrive at the Horombo Huts late afternoon beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint. Temperatures begin to drop.

You can spend a full day and a second night at Horombo. On this day, you can either rest at the huts or take a stroll up to the Mawenzi base camp then return to the Horombo Huts. This extra day will help your acclimatization, and further your understanding of the mountains weather and altitude. After your pause, you will continue up to the Kibo Huts on your fourth day for your midnight start to the summit.

 10KM/6MI | 6-8HRS | SEMI-DESERT Elevation: 3690m/12,100ft to 4695m/15,400ft

After breakfast, we continue on through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Here while we stop for lunch, and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours.

 KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4KM /2.5 MI UP | 5-7HRS | – HOROMBO HUTS: 14KM /9MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW-CAPPED SUMMIT Elevation: 4695m/15,400ft to 5895m/19,340ft Descent to 3690m/12,100ft

Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit in a switchback formation by trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion, we ascend through heavy scree and possibly snow toward Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way. Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.

 18KM/11MI |6-7HRS | RAINFOREST Elevation: 3690m/12,100 to 1830m/6000ft

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!! Overnight Kilimanjaro Crane Hotel. before being transferred to your journey home, safari, or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar.