Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Altitude Gain: 1,020 meters (3,346 feet)
Habitat: Rainforest
Duration: 4-6 hours

On the first day, after breakfast in Moshi or Arusha, you will be driven to Marangu Gate (1,870 meters/6,135 feet) where you will register, meet your guides and porters, and undergo a quick briefing. The trek begins through dense rainforest, lush with greenery and offering chances to see Colobus monkeys and various bird species. You will enjoy a packed lunch at a scenic spot along the trail before reaching Mandara Hut (2,720 meters/8,924 feet) by mid-afternoon. After settling in, there’s an optional hike to Maundi Crater, a great spot for acclimatization with panoramic views. Dinner is served in the communal dining hut, followed by rest in the comfortable Mandara Hut.

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Distance: 12 km (7 miles)
Altitude Gain: 1,000 meters (3,281 feet)
Habitat: Moorland
Duration: 6-8 hours

On the second day, after breakfast, you will begin the hike through the rainforest until you reach the moorland zone. The trail opens up, offering views of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks as the landscape transitions to heath and moorland with giant heather and other unique vegetation. You will enjoy a packed lunch at a designated spot along the trail before arriving at Horombo Hut (3,720 meters/12,205 feet) by late afternoon. After settling in, it’s important to rest and allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Dinner is served in the dining hut, followed by a night of rest.

Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

Optional Hike Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Altitude Gain: 150 meters (492 feet)
Habitat: Moorland
Duration: 3-4 hours

The third day is crucial for acclimatization. You can opt for a rest day at Horombo Hut or take a short hike to Zebra Rocks or towards Mawenzi Hut. A popular acclimatization hike is to the Zebra Rocks (4,020 meters/13,188 feet), named for their striped appearance. After the hike, you will return to Horombo Hut for lunch, rest, and preparation for the next day’s trek. The remainder of the day is for relaxation, and it’s a good time to check your gear and ensure everything is in order for the ascent to Kibo Hut.

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Altitude Gain: 980 meters (3,215 feet)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Duration: 6-8 hours

On the fourth day, after an early breakfast, you will set off for Kibo Hut. The hike continues through the last water point, then onto the saddle—a barren area between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. You will enjoy a packed lunch along the way before arriving at Kibo Hut (4,700 meters/15,420 feet) by early afternoon. The stone hut provides a place to rest before the final summit push. The remainder of the day is spent resting, hydrating, and preparing for the summit attempt. An early dinner is followed by rest in anticipation of the midnight start for the summit.

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Distance to Uhuru Peak: 6 km (4 miles)
Distance to Horombo Hut: 16 km (10 miles)
Altitude Gain to Uhuru Peak: 1,195 meters (3,921 feet)
Altitude Descent to Horombo Hut: 2,175 meters (7,136 feet)
Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
Duration: 10-15 hours

The final ascent begins around midnight. The trail to Gilman’s Point is a steep, rocky path. You will reach Gilman’s Point (5,685 meters/18,651 feet) around sunrise. This is the first major milestone on the crater rim. Continue to Stella Point (5,756 meters/18,885 feet) where the trail joins with other routes. The final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters/19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa, offers breathtaking views and a chance for memorable photos. After a short rest and celebration at the summit, you will descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest and brunch. The descent continues to Horombo Hut, where you will spend the night, ending this long day with dinner and much-needed rest.

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles)
Altitude Descent: 1,830 meters (6,004 feet)
Habitat: Moorland to Rainforest
Duration: 6-7 hours

After breakfast, you will begin the descent through the moorland and rainforest zones. A short break at Mandara Hut offers a chance to rest and have lunch. You will then continue to Marangu Gate, where you will sign out and receive your summit certificate (green for Gilman’s Point, gold for Uhuru Peak). A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved shower and celebration.

Additional Tips for a Successful Trek

1. Acclimatization: Proper acclimatization is crucial. Take the optional acclimatization hikes seriously.
2. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help with acclimatization.
3. Pace Yourself: Walk slowly and steadily. “Pole pole” (slowly, slowly) is the mantra for Kilimanjaro.
4. Proper Gear: Ensure you have the right gear, including warm clothing, good hiking boots, and a suitable sleeping bag.
5. Nutrition: Eat well and often. Your body needs fuel to manage the physical exertion and altitude.
6. Mental Preparation: The summit night is physically and mentally challenging. Stay positive and focused on your goal.