Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Upon arrival at Marangu Gate, the trek begins with a scenic ascent through the lush rainforest, where towering trees and a canopy alive with local wildlife greet you. The trail leads you steadily upward until you reach Mandara Hut, where you’ll settle in for the night.

Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft

Distance: 8km/5mi

Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, you'll emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path through heathland, where giant lobelias and groundsels dot the landscape. The journey takes you into open moorlands, characterized by small shrubs as the primary vegetation. A stop halfway for lunch offers breathtaking views of Mawenzi, one of Kilimanjaro's iconic peaks. By late afternoon, you'll arrive at the Horombo Huts, nestled beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint, as temperatures begin to drop.

Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft

Distance: 12km/7.5mi

Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Heathland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

Today is an acclimatization day, allowing you to adapt to the altitude. You’ll take a short hike to Zebra Rocks (4020m/13,200ft), where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape. This day aids in acclimatization and helps ensure a successful summit. You’ll return to Horombo Hut for a restful evening.

Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

The trail to Kibo Hut takes you across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, a starkly beautiful landscape of alpine desert with few signs of life. As you approach Kibo Hut in the late afternoon, the terrain becomes rocky, and the air grows thinner. You'll reach Kibo Hut, where you’ll have an early dinner and rest in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft

Distance: 9km/5.5mi

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Summit Attempt to Uhuru Peak, then descent to Horombo Hut

Just after midnight, you'll begin the challenging ascent to the summit under starlit skies. The trail is steep and demanding, with rocky switchbacks leading to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. From there, a final push brings you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After enjoying the breathtaking sunrise and views, you'll start your descent back to Kibo Hut for a rest, followed by the continued descent to Horombo Hut for your final night on the mountain.

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,341ft (Uhuru Peak)

Descent: 5895m/19,341ft to 3700m/12,200ft

Distance: 15km/9.5mi

Walking Time: 10-12 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner