Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where our team will be awaiting your arrival. Drive 1 hour to check into our partner lodge to catch up on jet lag, where you will have a briefing. Peak Altitude: 2,800 ft (853 m)

The adventure begins! Drive 2-3 hour to the Marangu Gate to get your trekking permits for Kilimanjaro National Park. Depart with only a daypack and begin your ascent through the mossy rain forest. Stop for a picnic to enjoy your box lunch before continuing the ascent. Spend the first night on the trail at Mandara Hut, a solar generated, A-frame hut. Enjoy a delicious dinner before getting some well-deserved rest. Total Hiking: approximately 5 miles (8 km) / 5 hours of trekking. Peak Altitude: 9000 ft (2720 m)

Transition from the rain forest into the grasslands and catch your first glimpses of the Kibo Crater. Trek past the unique plant life that can live for 100 years and reach up to 16 feet tall. Pass an ancient burial ground and learn about local Chagga culture. Retire to Horombo Hut for the evening after a warm meal and great sunset views. Total Hiking: approximately 7.2 miles (11.6 km) / 6-8 hours of trekking. Peak Altitude: 12,155 ft (3720 m)

Spend a day at Horombo Hut to acclimate to the altitude. Take a short hike to Zebra Rock, a geologic phenomenon located near the hut. Don't forget to look up at the star-covered sky with a clear view of the Milky Way. With almost no light pollution and it's proximity to the equator, the Kilimanjaro area is an astronomer's paradise. Total Hiking: approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) / 2-3 hours trekking. Peak Altitude: 13,123 ft (4000 m)

The hike continues through another microclimate - the alpine desert. This moon-like landscape gives you great views of the summit as you near 15,000 feet of elevation. Eat lunch on the trail and reach Kibo Hut in the afternoon for some dinner and rest before heading out that same evening for your final ascent. Total Hiking: approximately 6 miles (9.6 km) / 6 hours trekking. Peak Altitude: 15,518 ft (4720 m)

Prepare for a spectacular (and long) day! Rise just before midnight to begin the long ascent to the summit where steep switchbacks lead you to the top. Be prepared for a very cold summit with plenty of layers and enough battery to snap that summit shot. Reach Gilman's Point (18,652 ft) at sunrise and take in the golden light before making the final push to Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro's summit at 19,341 ft! From the summit, head back the way you came and return to Kibo Hut for a quick snack before continuing down to Horombo Hut for the night. Total Hiking: approximately 12.7 miles (20.4 km) / 13-16 hours trekking. Peak Altitude: 19,341 ft (5895 m)

In the morning, soak in one last view from Horombo Hut and enjoy songs with the staff members of your group. Now is a good time to tip the porters, cooks, and guides. Continue your descent past Mandara Hut and continue all the way back to the park gates. Return to Hotel for a hot shower and a celebration dinner with your team. Total Hiking: approximately 12.2 miles (20 km) / 6 hours trekking. Peak Altitude: 12,155 ft (3720m)