After breakfast, you will begin your trek toward Second Cave. The trail gradually ascends through the moorland zone, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

This route provides opportunities to spot wildlife, including various birds and perhaps some smaller mammals. Upon reaching Second Cave, you will be greeted by breathtaking vistas of Kibo Peak and the majestic landscapes of Kilimanjaro.

At Second Cave, you will enjoy a hot lunch, followed by a hot dinner in the evening. Afterward, a briefing will prepare you for the next day’s trek.

Elevation: 2,650m/8,700ft to 3,450m/11,319ft
Distance: 8km/5miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, you will begin your hike. The trail goes uphill through the moorland zone, offering beautiful views of the landscape and Kibo Peak.

As you walk, look out for unique plants and animals that live in this alpine area. The gentle climb helps your body adjust to the higher altitude. When you arrive at Third Cave Camp, you will be greeted by stunning views and a feeling of accomplishment.

You will have a hot lunch at camp, followed by a hot dinner in the evening. After dinner, the guide will provide a briefing about the plans for the next day’s hike.

Elevation: 3,450m/11,319ft to 4,000m/13,123ft
Distance: 7km/4.3miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland

After an early breakfast, depart from Third Cave and begin your hike through the alpine desert terrain.

You will arrive at Kibo Hut in the early afternoon. Once there, you will be served a hot lunch and have enough time for resting and enjoying the scenery.

You will have dinner in the early evening, followed by a briefing regarding the summit attempt. Your guide will discuss the plan for the night; then, you will relax and try to get some sleep before your early morning summit departure.

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Elevation: 3875m (12715 ft) to 4,700 m (15,419 ft)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

You’ll rise early, around midnight, to begin your summit attempt to Uhuru Peak. After a quick breakfast and packing your essentials, you’ll start your ascent. The trek begins with a steep climb through rocky terrain, where the air becomes thinner and the temperature drops.

As you climb, you’ll reach Gilman’s Point at the crater rim, about 5,681 meters (18,640 feet). From here, it’s only a 90-minute hike to Uhuru Peak, where breathtaking views await you, including stunning glaciers and volcanic rock formations.

After celebrating your achievement at the summit, you’ll descend back to Kibo Hut for a meal and some rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut. The descent is easier on your legs but still requires attention as you navigate the rocky trail.

Upon reaching Horombo Hut, take time to relax, hydrate, and reflect on your incredible journey.

Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m to 3,720m (15,420ft to 19,341ft to 12,205ft)
Distance: 6 km to summit and 10 km to Horombo (3.7 miles to summit and 6.2 miles to Horombo)
Hiking Time: 12-16 hours
Habitat: Arctic zone and alpine desert

After breakfast, You’ll begin your descent to Marangu Gate. The trek takes you through lush rainforest and moorland, offering a final chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife of Kilimanjaro.

As you descend, you’ll appreciate the vibrant flora surrounding the trail. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you’ll complete the necessary paperwork. Your guides will present your summit certificate, celebrating your achievement.

Once all formalities are done, you’ll be transported back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible journey.

Elevation: 3,720m to 1,830m (12,205ft to 6,040ft)
Distance: 20 km (12 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest