Classic Kilimanjaro Trek

We arrive in Moshi, settle into the hotel and unwind before the trek begins. You can rest, explore the town or organise your kit for the days ahead. Later, we meet our local representative for a detailed Kilimanjaro briefing – your guide runs through the route, safety information and what to expect over the coming days.

We leave Moshi and drive to Marangu Gate on the eastern side of Mount Kilimanjaro – trading town streets for the mountain’s lush lower slopes. From the gate we hike through dense rainforest to Mandara Hut at around 2,700 metres, covering roughly 7 km and keeping an eye out for birds and monkeys along the way.

We climb steadily from Mandara Hut through montane forest and out onto open moorland, continuing to Horombo Hut at about 3,700 metres. We pass distinctive high altitude plants and pause to enjoy sweeping views of Mawenzi.

We spend an additional day at Horombo Hut to help our bodies acclimatise to the altitude. If you wish, you can take an acclimatisation hike towards Mawenzi – or simply rest around camp – following your guides’ advice.

We trek from Horombo Hut through alpine heath, crossing the broad saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut at around 4,700 metres. The landscape grows increasingly barren and the air noticeably thinner – a clear sign we are gaining serious altitude.

We begin our summit push in the early hours, climbing from Kibo Hut to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim before pressing on to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres. After celebrating at the summit we descend to Kibo Hut for a well earned meal and some rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut – the lower altitude and easier terrain make this section feel much quicker than the climb up.

We descend from Horombo Hut, leaving the moorland for the forest as we pass Mandara Hut on our way to Marangu Gate. Here we sign out of the park and, if you reached the summit, you can collect your certificate. We then drive back to Moshi for a hot shower and a comfortable hotel bed – a fitting end to your time on the mountain and a welcome chance to rest properly.

After arriving in Moshi, we check in to our hotel and take time to settle in before the trek begins. You can rest, explore the town or organise your kit for the days ahead. The following morning we enjoy breakfast at the hotel, after which the tour officially ends. You have free time until your onward journey – or you may choose an optional transfer to the airport.