1,860m/6,100ft) - Mandara Hut (2,700m/8,860ft)
Upon arrival at KIA, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for pre-climb briefing. In the morning you will depart for Marangu Gate, where the climb begins. After registering and meeting your trekking team, you'll begin your ascent through the lush rainforest. This initial stage presents a fantastic opportunity to observe diverse flora and fauna. The trek to Mandara Hut typically takes around 4-5 hours. Once at the hut, you can settle in, relax, and enjoy dinner before retiring for the night.
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,700m/8,860ft) - Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
After breakfast, you'll leave Mandara Hut and continue your ascent. The trail gradually transitions from rainforest to moorland, offering stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks on clear days. This section is longer than the previous day, usually taking 6-8 hours. Upon reaching Horombo Hut, you will be rewarded with comfortable accommodations and panoramic views. This hut offers ample opportunity to acclimatize, which is crucial for a successful summit attempt.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
This is a crucial day for acclimatization. While at Horombo Hut, you can take a short hike to nearby Zebra Rocks and Mawenzi Peak, gaining altitude and allowing your body to adjust to the lower oxygen levels. This acclimatization hike typically lasts 2-3 hours. Returning to Horombo Hut allows for rest and preparation for the more challenging days ahead.
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) - Kibo Hut (4,700m/15,420ft)
Today is a challenging day as you ascend toward Kibo Hut. The landscape becomes increasingly barren and rocky, with sparse vegetation. This leg of the journey takes approximately 6-8 hours. Kibo Hut is situated at the foot of the Kibo crater wall. Rest is essential here as you prepare for the summit attempt, which begins around midnight.
Day 5: Summit Day! Kibo Hut (4,700m/15,420ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) - Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
The most challenging day begins in the dead of night. You will ascend in the darkness, guided by headlamps, to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. This section is steep and demanding, with the altitude making breathing difficult. Reaching Uhuru Peak is an incredible accomplishment, offering breathtaking views at sunrise (weather permitting). After spending a short time at the summit, you'll descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut for overnight. This is a long and tiring day, lasting 10-15 hours.
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) - Marangu Gate (1,860m/6,100ft) - Transfer to Moshi/Arusha
After breakfast, you'll descend from Horombo Hut back to Marangu Gate. This final descent typically takes 5-7 hours. At the gate, you'll receive your summit certificate and say farewell to your trekking team. From there, you'll be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest and celebration.