STANDARD ITINERARY

DAY 1 Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

After being transported from the hotel and signing in at the Marangu Gate (6,000 ft.), the climber begins the ascent of the mountain. The first day's climb is through a verdant rain forest teeming with bird life and the occasional colobus monkey. The climber makes his way through eucalyptus and African rosewood trees towering 150 feet over head. The first night's camp, Mandara Hut (9,000 ft.), is reached in 3 to 6 hours.

DAY 2 Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

The second day's trek to the Horombo Hut (12,335 ft.) is about 10 miles and takes 6 to 8 hours. One hour after leaving Mandara Hut, the climber emerges from the rain forest onto an alpine meadow. On clear days, there are splendid views of the mountain's two peaks (Kibo and Mawenzi) and the African plains below. As the higher altitudes are reached, the vegetation is quite spectacular, including giant lobelias and senecios. As the day's climb comes to an end, the affects of the higher altitude may begin to be felt, commonly experienced as simple fatigue.

DAY 3 Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Via the older, traditional route, the climber continues on to Kibo Hut (15,500 ft.) at the foot of Kibo peak. The climb offers outstanding views of the aptly named zebra rock, fields of groundsels, and Mawenzi peak. After lunching on the foot of Mawenzi, the climber continues across the saddle between the two peaks to the hut. Again, the climb takes between 6 and 8 hours.

DAY 4 Kibo Hut to the Summit

The mountaineer arises around midnight to make the final ascent to the summit. Gillman's Point (18,635 ft.), the rim of the ancient volcanic crater and recognized top of the mountain, is reached after a stiff climb up a very steep, loose scree slope. On average, the flashlight-assisted climb will take between 5 and 7 hours. After resting at Gillman's Point, those who feel strong enough may continue for approximately two hours along the crater's rim to the mountain's summit, Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft.), the Roof of Africa. Return to Horombo Hut the same day.

DAY 5 Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

The climber finishes the descent of the mountain, lunching at Mandara hut. After signing the registry at the Marangu Gate, the climber is transported back to the hotel for some well earned relaxation.

ADDITIONAL DAY

Some climbers choose to spend an extra day on the mountain to assist in acclimatization. The extra day is usually spent at the Horombo Hut. During peak climbing periods (August, September, December, and January), the Kilimanjaro National Park may not allow extra days to be taken due to limited cabin availability. However, additional cabins are being built to remedy this problem.

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