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DAY 1 – Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut Elevation: 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft Hiking Time:  4-5 hours Distance: 8 km | 5 miles Habitat: Rain Forest We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut. DAY 2 – Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Elevation: 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Distance: 12 km | 7 miles Habitat: Heath We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro. DAY 3 – Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge Elevation: 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut Elevation: 14,400 ft to 12,205 ft Hiking Time: 1-2 hours . Distance: 5 km | 3 miles Habitat: Heath . Distance: 5 km | 3 miles Habitat: Heath This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut. DAY 4 –  Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut Elevation: 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Distance: 10 km | 6 miles Habitat: Alpine Desert We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. DAY 5 –  Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut Elevation: 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft Hiking Time: 4-5 hours . Distance: 6 km | 4 miles Habitat: Arctic . Distance: 16 km | 10 miles Habitat: Heath Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut Elevation: 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft Hiking Time: 4-5 hours . Distance: 6 km | 4 miles Habitat: Arctic . Distance: 16 km | 10 miles Habitat: Heath Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Distance: 20 km | 12 miles Habitat: Rain Forest On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.