Following breakfast, hikers will begin their ascent out of the rainforest and into the heather moorland. Hikers will pass the Maundi Crater and are able to climb up to its rim for a spectacular view of the Kibo Crater. In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. After 6 hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut. Horombo Hut sleeps 120 hikers and is located on a small plateau. Similar to the first night, the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this site. Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft Distance: 12 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Heath

This extra day and night at Horombo is ideal for body acclimatization. A hike towards Mawenzi, passing through Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down), is strongly recommended as it will further assist with acclimatization. Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Heath Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft to 12,205 Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 1-2 hours Habitat: Heath

Following an early morning breakfast, you will continue your ascent into the alpine desert habitat. Hikers have the option of 2 trails that lead to Kibo Hut. The upper route is the same trail used the previous day for the day hike to Mawenzi Hut. The lower route is the more popular route because it is a shorter hiking distance. Kibo Hut is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00! Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft Distance: 10 km/6 miles Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert

Your guide will wake you up around 23:30 for tea. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave. You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point. Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitudes. From this point, you will usually experience a snow-covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak. Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs before the descent to Kibo begins. At Kibo Hut, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight after a strenuous day. Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 6 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft Distance: 16 km/10 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Heath

ollowing a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. This ends of the trekking. Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft Distance: 20 km/12 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest