Day 1: Marangu - Marangu Gate (1,860m) - Mandara Hut (2,700m)

The trek begins at the gate, hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of the black and white colobus monkeys. Approximately 4 hours later, you will reach your destination of the day - the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.

• Main Destination : Mandara Hut (2,700m)
• Hiking Time : Approximately 4 hours
• Habitat : Tropical Rainforest
• Meals & Accommodation : Evening meal and overnight stay at Mandara Hut

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,700m) - Horombo Hut (3,700m)

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 to 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight at 3,700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo, and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.

• Main Destination : Horombo Hut (3,700m)
• Hiking Time : 4 - 6 hours
• Habitat : Heath and Moorland Zone

Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,700m) - Zebra Rocks (4,020m) - Acclimatization Day

This day serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. A 4-5 hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4,020m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, you will have a warm lunch. You can relax and regain your strength for the hike the following day.

• Main Destination : Zebra Rocks (4,020m) & Horombo Hut
• Hiking Time : 4 - 5 hours
• Purpose : Altitude Acclimatization

Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,700m) - Kibo Hut (4,700m)

This day the stage is long and somehow a bit tough. The well-built trail passes the "Last Waterpoint" followed by the so-called "saddle" — a nearly vegetation-less plateau joining the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today's destination is the Kibo Hut, usually reached in about 5 to 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.

• Main Destination : Kibo Hut (4,700m)
• Hiking Time : 5 - 6 hours
• Habitat : Alpine Desert Plateau

Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,700m) - Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - Horombo Hut (3,700m)

This is "The Big Day" - the summit stage. This begins at night when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. We will wake you up at 23:00 hrs and an hour later, you will begin the long and strenuous trek to the summit. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman's Point (5,681m) - the crater rim of Kilimanjaro.

After a further hike of 1 to 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895m to celebrate reaching the "Roof of Africa". The route back down follows the same path to Kibo Hut for a warm meal and a short break, before hiking down to Horombo Hut (3,700m) where you will arrive in the afternoon.

• Main Destination : Uhuru Peak (5,895m) & Horombo Hut
• Hiking Time : 1 - 2 hours to rim, 10-14 hours total
• Habitat : Arctic / Glaciers

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,700m) - Marangu Gate (1,860m) - Moshi

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2,700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1,860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a transfer follows to take you back to the Hotel for a warm shower and celebration.

• Main Destination : Moshi / Arusha Hotel
• Hiking Time : 6 hours
• Meals & Accommodation : Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel