Elevation: 1,870m (6,135ft) to 2,720m (8,923ft) Distance: 8 km (5 miles) Hiking Time: 3-4 hours After breakfast, you’ll drive to the Marangu Gate, where you’ll register for your climb. Begin your trek through the dense rainforest, where you might spot wildlife such as Colobus monkeys. You'll arrive at Mandara Hut for your first overnight stay on the mountain.

Elevation: 2,720m (8,923ft) to 3,720m (12,205ft) Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) Hiking Time: 6-7 hours Trek through the last section of the rainforest and into the rolling moorlands, where the landscape opens up with expansive views of the mountains. You’ll arrive at Horombo Hut, your base for the night, with spectacular views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

After breakfast Horombo Hut, spend a day here allowing your body to adjust to high altitude. But even better, you will have a day hike to Mawenzi ridge (4600 m) for further acclimatization with your guide. You will have lunch at Mawezi ridge then descend back to Horombo Huts for Dinner and overnight.

Elevation: 3,720m (12,205ft) to 4,703m (15,430ft) Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles) Hiking Time: 5-6 hours After breakfast, you’ll continue your trek through the alpine desert, heading toward Kibo Hut, your final stop before the summit. The terrain becomes more rugged, and you’ll need to conserve energy for the challenging ascent ahead.

Elevation: 4,703m (15,430ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) to 3,720m (12,205ft) Distance: 16 km (9.9 miles) Hiking Time: 10-14 hours (Summit Day) You’ll begin your summit push around midnight, ascending steeply over scree and volcanic rock to reach Gilman’s Point (5,685m), and from there, continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro. Take in the breathtaking sunrise from the Roof of Africa before descending back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then on to Horombo Hut.

Moshi

Elevation: 3,720m (12,205ft) to 1,870m (6,135ft) to 890m (2,920ft) Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles) Hiking Time: 6-7 hours Enjoy a leisurely descent through the moorlands and rainforest, passing Mandara Hut on the way down to Marangu Gate. Here, you'll receive your summit certificates before being driven back to Moshi for a celebratory evening.