From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun. Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular plants – the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel (Scenic Kilimanjaro), which can reach heights of 5m! After about 6 hours from here you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have hot washing water, rest; an evening meal.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Shared Hut)

– Acclimatization Day
As you might imagine, the atmosphere at the hut today is filled with excitement, adventure, and lively exchange. Bustling with hikers, guides, and porters, it is a switching station of sorts, with ascending and descending hikers exchanging valuable stories and information. Remember to drink enough water today; your main priority should be acclimatization. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut is strongly recommended for this purpose. During the climb — 3 hours up, 1.5 down — you will pass the Zebra Rocks. When you return to camp, there will be hot food mixed with anticipation. Retire early, for this will be your last full night’s rest before the summit ascent.
Hiking time: 6h / Distance: 9.4 miles
Habitat: Moorland
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Shared Hut)

The ascent continues. From Horombo, there are two trails to the “Saddle,” the area between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The upper right-hand fork, its path stony and eroded, will be familiar from yesterday’s climb. You are, however, encouraged to take the less taxing lower left-hand fork, which passes the last watering point, at 13,549 ft. Unless you plan to buy mineral water at Kibo, you will need to supply yourself with all the water you’ll need before returning to Horombo two nights from now. Our destination for this leg of the climb is Kibo hut, a stone blockhouse in the barren Alpine desert with bunk beds for 60, but no streams for water. (The camp office will have mineral water and soft drinks to buy.) You will make your final ascent, just 3,921 ft. further, later tonight. For now, focus on preparing your equipment, ski stick and clothing. Fill your thermal flask with water. Replace your headlamp and camera batteries, with a spare set packed. Once you are confident that all is ready, bed down around 7 pm and get the precious rest you’ll need.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Kibo Hut (Shared Hut)

This is the moment — your summit attempt. After tea and biscuits in the darkness (you will rise at 11:30 pm on Day 6), you climb into the night. What lies ahead is no joke — the terrain is unforgiving, requiring great physical and mental effort. Ascend the rocky path to Hans Meter Cave at 16,896 ft. and take a short rest. The trail now zigzags its way up to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim, at 18,638 ft. You will no doubt make your final ascent in snowfall, but we guarantee that once you are standing on Africa’s highest point, the fire inside you will burn fierce, melting away any external conditions! How long you will have to snap photos and experience your well-earned euphoria will be out of your hands; the weather is in charge here. Once you begin your 3-hour descent (stopping at Kibo to pick up your gear), you will not believe how fast it will seem! At Horombo, with adrenaline still flowing, you will savor a bittersweet last dinner on the mountain. After hiking for 14 hours, though, we suspect that sleep that will be foremost in your mind.
Ascent time: 8 hrs. to Uhuru Peak | Descent time: 6 hrs. to Horombo Hut | Distance: 9.9-mile ascent, 13-mile descent | Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit,
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut