Following breakfast, we start the day continuing through the rainforest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro. After 6 hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut (3720m). 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. -Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut -Elevation: 2720m to 3720m -Distance: 11 km -Hicking time: 6-8 hours -Habitat: Heath

At Horombo Hut, you will spend the day allowing your body to acclimate to high altitudes. You will have the option of doing a day hike on Mawenzi Ridge (up to 4600m) for further acclimatisation with your guide. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back sleeping to Horombo Hut. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be at the hut. -Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge -Elevation: 3720m to 4402m -Distance: 5 km -Hicking time: 2-3 hours -Habitat: Heath

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle”, which refers to the area between Mawenzi and Kibo’s peaks. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. There is no water at this camp, but porters will bring water for the hikers. 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: 3720m to 4720m -Distance: 10 km -Hicking time: 6-8 hours -Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin our push to the summit very early in the morning (around midnight). This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At this elevation and time of day, the wind and cold can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (5685m), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Kibo Hut begins. Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak Elevation: 4720m to 5895m Distance: 6 km Hicking time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Artic

We begin our push to the summit very early in the morning (around midnight). This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At this elevation and time of day, the wind and cold can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (5685m), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Kibo Hut begins.

On our last day, you will descend for 6 hours downhill through the tropical rainforest, 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 (5685m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After signing, you will stop at the restaurant to share a last meal with all the team (it could also be the time to give tips to them) and then, you will drive back to the hotel in Moshi for long overdue showers and celebrations.