On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver will meet you and transfer you to Arusha, a drive of about 45 to 60 minutes. As you settle in, you’ll begin to get a feel for the surroundings, with views of the landscape and glimpses of local life along the way. On arrival at your lodge, there’s time to relax after your journey before dinner and overnight.

After breakfast in Arusha, we set off towards Marangu Gate, a drive of about 2 hours through villages and farmland on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro. On arrival, we complete registration before enjoying a packed lunch. We then begin the trek, walking through dense rainforest with tall trees, moss, and chances of seeing monkeys and birdlife along the way. The trail is steady and well-paced as we gain altitude. The hike takes about 3 to 4 hours. On arrival at Mandara Hut, we settle in, enjoy dinner, and overnight.

Elevation: 1,970 m to 2,700 m

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)

Hiking time: 4–5 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast at Mandara Hut, we continue the climb, leaving the rainforest behind as the trail opens into heath and moorland. The scenery changes noticeably, with fewer trees and more open views as we gain height. On a clear day, we begin to see both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks ahead. We stop at a picnic site along the way to enjoy a packed lunch before continuing at a steady pace towards Horombo Hut. The hike takes about 5 to 6 hours. On arrival, we settle in, enjoy dinner, and overnight.

Elevation: 2,700 m to 3,720 m Distance: 12 km (7 miles)Hiking time: 6–8 hoursHabitat: Moorland

After breakfast at Horombo Hut, we take a short acclimatisation hike towards Zebra Rock. The trail climbs gradually across open moorland, with wide views of the surrounding landscape. Zebra Rock gets its name from the striking black and white patterns on the rock, formed by mineral-rich water. We spend some time here to take in the views before descending back to Horombo Hut. This walk helps the body adjust to the altitude while keeping the pace relaxed. On return, we enjoy lunch, followed by time to rest before dinner and overnight.

Elevation: 3,720 m to 4,100 m and back to 3,720 mDistance: 6 km (4 miles)Hiking time: 2–3 hoursHabitat: Moorland

After breakfast at Horombo Hut, we continue the climb towards Kibo Hut, crossing a wide, open landscape known as the Saddle, which lies between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain is dry and rocky, with very little vegetation, giving it a quiet and remote feel. The trail is long but gradual, and we keep a steady pace as we prepare for the summit. We stop along the way to enjoy a packed lunch before continuing towards camp. The hike takes about 5 to 6 hours. On arrival at Kibo Hut, we rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the summit attempt.

Elevation: 3,720 m to 4,703 m Distance: 10 km (6 miles)Hiking time: 6–8 hoursHabitat: Alpine desert

Today is summit day. We wake up around 23:00hrs and take tea and biscuits before setting off at midnight. We climb slowly in the dark, with headlamps lighting the way, as we make steady progress towards Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, reaching it around sunrise. From here, we continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After spending time at the summit, we begin our descent back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and hot lunch. We then continue down to Horombo Hut, taking care on the rocky sections, arriving in the afternoon for dinner and overnight.

Elevation: 4,703 m to 5,895 m, then down to 3,720 m Distance: 22 km (14 miles)Hiking time: 10–13 hoursHabitat: Arctic to moorland

After breakfast at Horombo Hut, we begin our final descent, leaving the moorland behind as the trail leads back into the rainforest. The landscape becomes greener and more humid, with chances of seeing monkeys and birdlife along the way. The walk is steady and takes about 5 to 6 hours as we make our way to Marangu Gate. On arrival, we receive our summit certificates before continuing by vehicle back to Arusha, a drive of about 2 hours. On arrival at your lodge, there is time to relax, celebrate your achievement over dinner, and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Elevation: 3,720 m to 1,970 m Distance: 20 km (12 miles)Hiking time: 3–4 hoursHabitat: Moorland to rainforest

After breakfast in Arusha, we transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport, a drive of about 45 to 60 minutes. The journey is short and relaxed, giving you time to reflect on your experiences before departure.