Transfer from your hotel to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. After the park formalities are completed at Marangu Gate, you will start your trek through the montane forest onwards to Mandara Hut. With a little luck you may encounter some wild animals including the famous black-and-white colobus monkeys. After a rest and if weather allows you can option to trek to the volcanic remains of Maundi Crater before returning to Mandara Hut for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast your trek further through the grassy heather and moorland zone. If it is a cloudless day you might even have a chance to enjoy splendid views of Kibo and Mawenzi peak – two of the three volcanic peaks on Mount Kilimanjaro. Along the way you will encounter different bird and plant species – especially the giant senecios make for some great pictures. Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.

Today’s day is designated as acclimatization day and a must for us! You can either spend the day resting at Horombo Hut or hike towards the seldomly visited Mawenzi peak. On the way you will pass a set of large volcanic rocks with a striped pattern. Over the years, mineral rich rain water flowed over the black lava rock and formed white stripes on the wall that resembles a zebra. Return for dinner and overnight to Horombo Hut.

As you trek further uphill the vegetation will gradually diminish. You will be passing several water streams until you reach the “last water point” at 4,130 m – this is the last chance to collect water before reaching the alpine desert zone. Your path proceeds further onto the “Saddle” – a lunar-like volcanic desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peak. Try to get as much rest as possible for the summit ascent tonight.

Around midnight you start your trek to the summit. This is mentally and physically the most challenging part of your Mount Kilimanjaro climb. The coldness together with the wind can be extreme. Our motto is “Pole, Pole” – one tiny little step after the other! A rocky path leads to the Hans Meyer Point at 5,250 m and then zigzags further up to Gilman’s Point at 5,681 m. From here it is another 200 m in height to Uhuru Peak.

If you feel strong enough to continue, it is a three-hour round trip along the crater rim to the highest point of Africa. Finally, you reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. Congratulations – there are no words to describe the feeling of reaching the top of Mount Kiliamanjaro! After a few moments, you will descent via Kibo Hut down to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight. To avoid injury on your way down, pay close attention to where you put your feet.

This is your final day of the trek. After breakfast you continue your descent onto Marangu Gate. Your driver/guide will transfer you back to your lodge for a well-earned shower and rest.