On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be greeted by your transfer driver and taken to the Green Hills of Africa. The rest of the day will be at leisure and you may choose to relax at the hotel or perhaps explore the town of Arusha (taxi required). In the evening, you will attend a briefing in preparation of your upcoming trek. Dinner and overnight at the Green Hills of Africa. (D)

Mandara Hut (2,670m) – Horombo Hut (3,720m)
5-6 hours trek – 11 km

The day begins with an early breakfast and shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the treeline where vegetation changes to shrubs. Approximately 4 to 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight at an altitude of about 3,720 m. From the hut you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo peak and the Masai steppe. Evening meal and overnight stay at the Horombo Hut. (BLD)

Horombo Hut (3,720m)
2-4 hours trek to Zebra Rock and return

Today’s purpose is getting your body to acclimatise to the altitude. Acclimatisation should not be underestimated as it greatly improves your chances of reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, you will set off on a 2 to 4-hour trek to Zebra Rocks (3,980 m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a cooked lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day. Overnight and evening meal at Horombo Hut.

Horombo Hut (3,720m) – Kibo Hut (4,700m)
5-7 hours trek – 10 km

Today’s stage is long and tough. The trail passes the “last waterpoint” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly plantless plateau links the summit of Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is Kibo Hut and it should be reached in about 5 to 6 hours. Tonight is an early night to get enough rest, for you will be woken at approximately 23h00. (BLD)

Kibo Hut (4,700m) – Summit Uhuru peak (5,895m) – Horombo Hut (3,720m)
12-16 hours trek – 21 km

Today is the “big day” – the summit stage. You will start in the middle of the night when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. You will begin the long and strenuous trek to the summit in the dark. Passing the Hans Meyer cave at 5,200 m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gilman’s Point (5,715 m) on the crater rim. Soon you will have forgotten the cold of the night and after another 1 to 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. Now you are standing on the “Roof of Africa”. The descent follows the same path and the lava ash will now have thawed and allows for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can rest a while to regain your strength. After the 1 to 2-hour break, you will be on your way down to the Horombo Hut (3,720 m) where you will arrive in the afternoon. After an evening meal, it is early to bed for most. (BLD)

Horombo Hut (3,720m) – Marangu gate (1,840m) – Arusha
5-6 hours trek – 12 km

The last stage passes through the heather and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2,670 m) where a cooked lunch awaits you. Soon again you will be in the lush tropical rainforest and after about 6 hours of trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate (1,840 m). After saying goodbye to your mountain crew you will be taken back to the Green Hills of Africa. At the hotel you can have a warm shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. You will have dinner and spend the night at the Green Hills of Africa. (BLD)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward arrangements. (B)