Arrive in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro International Airport on the flight of your choice today. Meet your driver after customs and baggage claim, transferring to your Moshi hotel for a trek briefing and restful first night in Tanzania. 

Today is a free day in Moshi to rest and prepare for your trek. Additional excursions can also be arranged, please inquire: 

• Arusha National Park - Introduction to game viewing with options for canoe ride on Small Momela Lake or a walking safari.
• Coffee Cooperative and Village Tour - Visit the village of Uru on the slopes of Kilimanjaro which produces some of the world's finest coffee. Get an understanding of village life for people living on Africa's highest mountain.
• Mountain Biking - Day trips are available to stretch your legs and explore the backcountry.

In the evening, join a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide. You retire early for a good night's rest - Kilimanjaro awaits you! 

Begin with a scenic two-hour drive from Moshi to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border, located in the village of Nale Moru. While waiting for your permits, observe the busy preparations of many crews. Start your trek through a manmade pine forest, followed by beautiful rainforest scenery and winding trails. Your guide shares information about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife, such as the Black and White Colobus Monkey. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. Enjoy excellent views of the Kenyan plains before reaching camp.

Hiking time: 4 hours
Distance: 7 km/4.5 miles 
Rainforest Elevation: 1,800 m/5,900 ft to 2,600 m/8,400 ft
 

Begin your trek through the moorland zone, steadily gaining height and enjoying superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After crossing the moorland zone, leave the main trail and take a smaller path toward the jagged Mawenzi Peak. Temperatures start to drop as you descend into the valley to the Kikelewa Caves, where camp is set up. 

Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 12 km/7.5 miles
Heath Elevation: 2,600 m/8,400 ft to 3,600 m/ 11,800 ft

Today involves a relatively short but steep trek through grassy slopes, leading to some of the most iconic views of the mountain. Camp is set at Mawenzi Tarn, at the foot of Mawenzi’s cirque, directly beneath its towering, jagged spires. This makes it one of the most spectacular sites for an overnight camp. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring the area. 

Hiking time: 4 hours
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Alpine Desert Elevation: 3,600 m/11,800 ft to 4,320 m/ 14,200 ft
 

Spend the day resting and acclimatizing by exploring the base of Mawenzi Peak and taking a short walk to Mawenzi Ridge.

Hiking time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 2 km/1 mile
Alpine Desert Elevation: 4,320 m/14,200 ft

through the jagged spires of Mawenzi Peak. Depart from Mawenzi Tarn Camp and cross the lunar-like landscape of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. Rest at Kibo Camp to prepare for the final ascent, which begins shortly after midnight.

Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 9 km/6 miles
Alpine Desert Elevation: 4,320 m/14,200 ft to 4,750 m/ 15,400 ft

Start around midnight, following the moonlit path as you zigzag up the loose volcanic scree slope. This is the steepest and most demanding section of the climb, with extreme conditions due to the elevation and time of night. It takes at least five hours to reach Gillman’s Point (5,679m/18,600ft), which offers great views of the Eastern Ice fields. Watch the sunrise behind Mawenzi Peak, illuminating the plain. Continue for another hour around the crater and up to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the spectacular glaciers lit by sunrise. Take a moment to enjoy this incredible accomplishment before descending to Horombo Hut, with a rest and lunch at Kibo Hut along the way. It is strongly recommended gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain.  

Hiking time: 8-11 hours
Distance: 6 km/4 miles up - 16 km/10 miles down
Arctic Glacier Elevation: 4,750 m/15,400ft up to 5,895 m/19,340 ft down to 3,690 m/12,200 ft

After breakfast, engage in a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew before bidding goodbye. Resume the descent, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch, and then continue descending to Marangu Gate. After collecting your certificates, transfer to Moshi for a well-deserved hot shower and a comfortable bed.

Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 20 km/12.2 miles
Rainforest Elevation: 3,690 m/12,200 ft to 1,830 m/6,000 ft

After breakfast, meet your Kilimanjaro Airport transfer and arrive at the airport on time for your flight. Return home, or extend your trip to the white sands of Zanzibar!