Day 1: Arrive in Kilimanjaro for overnight. Hotel, bed and breakfast
Day 2: Transfer to Marangu gate (1800m) to start climbing through montane forest with enticing glimpses of colubus monkeys in the canopy. You reach the first hut at Mandara (2,700m) in 3 to 4hrs.
Day 3: Increasing altitude means a slower hiking pace through alpine meadows to arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720 – 5 to 6 hrs).
Day 4: This is an acclimatization day. You can rest, socialize, enjoy the scenery and take opportunities to photograph the environment. Join your guide for an optional easy hike up to Zebra Rocks. From here you can get good views of Mawenzi
peak. After a picnic lunch you will take a slow hike back down to the hut for dinner and overnight. Horombo Hut – 3,780m.
Day 5: Hike through the rugged and rocky landscape to cross the Saddle to Kibo Hut for a rest and a summit briefing (4,700m – 5 to 6 hrs).
Day 6: The final ascent is made around midnight while the scree is still frozen. There is a steep climb to Gilman’s Point (5,680m – 5 to 6 hrs). The route then flattens out along the crater rim. Your goal, Uhuru Peak (5,895m) can be reached in 1 to 2 hrs. After a short rest and snacks on Kilimanjaro summit you start the descent to Kibo Hut for breakfast and another rest before returning to Horombo Hut for overnight.
Day 7: From Horombo Hut it is an easy return on the same route to reach the national park gate to collect certificates before returning to the hotel for overnight (dinner not included).