After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path through the heathland, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels. Continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch to enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi. Arrive at the Horombo Huts in the late afternoon beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint. This is where the temperatures begin to drop.

After breakfast, we continue through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. While we stop here for lunch, and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours.

After Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 am. This is the most mentally and physically-challenging portion of the trek.

We continue our way to the summit in a switchback formation, trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. We ascend through heavy scree and possibly snow towards Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. You are likely to encounter snow all the way from here on your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent, stopping at Mandara Hut for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles. A vehicle will meet you at the gate to drive you back.