Day 1: Arrival at Marangu Gate – Simba Camp

• Elevation: 1,950 m (6,398 ft) to 2,650 m (8,694 ft)
• Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
• Time: 3-4 hours

Arrive at Marangu Gate, where you’ll meet your guide and support team. After completing the registration, begin your trek through the dense rainforest. The route offers a gradual ascent and passes through various plants and wildlife as you hike to Simba Camp (2,650 m). The camp is located on the edge of the moorland zone. After settling in, enjoy a dinner and prepare for the upcoming days.

Day 2: Simba Camp – Second Cave

• Elevation: 2,650 m (8,694 ft) to 3,450 m (11,319 ft)
• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Time: 5-6 hours

After a hearty breakfast, begin your hike through the moorland zone, characterized by giant heather plants and rocky outcrops. The route continues through open terrain with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. You will make your way to Second Cave (3,450 m), which provides stunning views of Kibo Peak. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 3: Second Cave – Kikelewa Camp

• Elevation: 3,450 m (11,319 ft) to 3,600 m (11,811 ft)
• Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
• Time: 4-5 hours

On Day 3, you’ll continue your hike as you gain altitude and cross into the alpine desert zone. This section of the route offers views of Mawenzi Peak as you ascend. The hike to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m) is relatively gentle and offers a scenic view of the mountain. Once you arrive, settle into your camp, enjoy a well-deserved dinner, and rest for the next day’s climb.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Hut

• Elevation: 3,600 m (11,811 ft) to 4,330 m (14,200 ft)
• Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
• Time: 4-5 hours

After breakfast, ascend toward Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330 m), located at the base of the striking Mawenzi Peak. This section of the climb will take you through rocky terrain with minimal vegetation. The camp offers stunning views of Mawenzi and the surrounding landscape. Take this day to acclimatize and relax as you prepare for your summit attempt. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the hut.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Kibo Hut

• Elevation: 4,330 m (14,200 ft) to 4,703 m (15,430 ft)
• Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
• Time: 5-6 hours

Today, you’ll begin your final stretch toward Kibo Hut (4,703 m), the last stop before the summit. The hike will take you through alpine desert terrain, where vegetation is sparse, and the conditions can be challenging. Once at Kibo Hut, you will rest and prepare for your summit attempt. Enjoy a light dinner, get some rest, and gather your energy for the summit night.

Day 6: 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: 19 km / 11.8 miles
• Time: 12-14 hours

Summit Day
Today is the longest and most challenging day of your trek. You’ll begin your summit attempt at around midnight or 1:00 am, when temperatures are cooler, and the path is less crowded. The climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) is steep and requires perseverance, but you will be rewarded with spectacular views as the sun rises. After reaching the summit and taking in the unforgettable views, descend to Kibo Hut for a brief rest.

Continue your descent to Horombo Hut (3,720 m), where you will rest and celebrate your achievement. After a long day, enjoy a well-deserved dinner and a restful night.