You will be picked up in the morning at your hotel in Moshi and taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (Marangu Gate, 1860m). The drive will take approximately 1 hour. Once the necessary gate registration has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense Kilimanjaro rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and various bird species. Our knowledgeable English-speaking guide will inform you about Kilimanjaro and will explain the different species of plants and animals you will see. You will also meet mountain climbers descending from the top, and perhaps some of them will tell you of their experiences and you can start to dream about a climb of your own! After a 3-4 hour hike, you will reach Mandara Hut (2700m), where you will have a well-earned rest and lunch. Your guide will then take you on a short hike (15 minutes walking distance) to the Maundi Crater, where you can enjoy wonderful views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Once you have thoroughly enjoyed the views, you will return to the Marangu Gate (2-3 hours walking distance), where your vehicle will be waiting for your transfer back to your hotel. On your return journey you can enjoy the sunset and the day‘s memories. Altitude gain: 1860m to 2700m Distance (one way): 8 km Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours up / 2 - 3 hours down (total time 5 - 7 hours) Habitat: Mountain Forest