Day 1: Arrival at Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut

• Elevation: 1,860 m (6,100 ft) to 2,700 m (8,858 ft)
• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Time: 3-4 hours

Arrive at Marangu Gate (1,860 m) and complete the necessary registration before beginning your trek. The first day’s hike is a relatively easy walk through the rainforest, filled with dense vegetation, giant ferns, and unique bird species. Enjoy the refreshing atmosphere as you ascend to Mandara Hut (2,700 m), a charming wooden hut located at the edge of the rainforest. Enjoy dinner and rest for the night.

Day 2: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut

• Elevation: 2,700 m (8,858 ft) to 3,720 m (12,205 ft)
• Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
• Time: 6-8 hours

After breakfast, continue your ascent through the moorland zone, characterized by the transition from rainforest to more open, sparse vegetation. The hike offers beautiful views of Kibo Peak and Mawenzi Peak. Along the way, you may encounter Giant Senecios and Lobelias. Reach Horombo Hut (3,720 m), which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The huts provide good accommodation, with a cozy environment to relax and prepare for the next leg of your journey. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut

• Elevation: 3,720 m (12,205 ft) to 4,703 m (15,430 ft)
• Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
• Time: 5-6 hours

On Day 3, you’ll hike through the moorland and alpine desert zones, with very little vegetation as you gain altitude. The scenery becomes more barren and rocky, and you’ll be walking toward Kibo Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro. The route to Kibo Hut (4,703 m) is a steady but challenging climb. Kibo Hut is the last stop before your final summit attempt. Once you arrive, enjoy dinner and a good rest as you prepare for your summit bid in the early hours of the following morning.

Day 4: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut

• Elevation: 4,703 m (15,430 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft) to 3,720 m (12,205 ft)
• Distance: 18 km / 11 miles
• Time: 12-14 hours

Summit Day
This is the longest and most challenging day of your trek. You will begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) in the early morning hours, typically around midnight or 1:00 am, to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and reach the summit before noon. The first part of the hike is steep and can be challenging, but as you approach the summit, the terrain becomes flatter with loose gravel. As the sun rises, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and the vast wilderness below. After reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, take time to celebrate and snap photos before descending back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest.

Afterward, continue descending back to Horombo Hut (3,720 m) for a well-deserved rest and recovery after the long and taxing day. Dinner and overnight stay at Horombo Hut.

Day 5: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Departure

• Elevation: 3,720 m (12,205 ft) to 1,860 m (6,100 ft)
• Distance: 20 km / 12 miles
• Time: 5-7 hours

On the final day, enjoy a relaxed breakfast before beginning your descent back to Marangu Gate. This is a long day of walking as you make your way through the montane forest and rainforest zones back to the gate. The route is relatively easy compared to the previous days. Once you arrive at Marangu Gate, you will complete your descent and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate if you reached Uhuru Peak. Afterward, transfer back to your hotel for rest or your departure from Tanzania.