Day 1: Arrival in Arusha/Moshi – Pre-Climb Briefing

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in either Arusha or Moshi. After a scenic drive, you’ll arrive at your hotel in Moshi, where you’ll spend the night. The day is dedicated to resting and preparing for the climb, including a thorough briefing by your guide. This briefing will cover the details of the route, the challenges you may face, and essential tips for a successful climb.

You’ll also check your gear to ensure everything is in order. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel and take some time to relax and mentally prepare for the journey ahead.

Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

After an early breakfast, you’ll be driven to Marangu Gate, located at an altitude of 1,870 meters (6,135 feet). Upon arrival, you’ll complete the registration process with the park authorities, meet your trekking team, and begin your climb.

The trek starts with a gentle ascent through the lush rainforest, where you’ll be surrounded by dense vegetation, towering trees, and the sounds of exotic birds and wildlife. The trail is well-defined and relatively easy, allowing you to ease into the journey.

After several hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Mandara Hut, located at 2,700 meters (8,858 feet). Mandara Hut is a collection of wooden A-frame huts set within the forest, providing basic but comfortable accommodation for your first night on the mountain. After settling into your hut, you’ll enjoy a hot dinner and rest for the night.

Elevation: 1,870 meters to 2,700 meters

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

After breakfast, you’ll continue your ascent, leaving the rainforest behind as you enter the heather and moorland zone. The trail gradually becomes steeper, and the landscape opens up to reveal sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

As you climb higher, you’ll pass through areas of unique flora, including giant heathers and lobelias, which thrive in the moorland’s cooler climate. Along the way, you’ll also have the option to take a short detour to visit the Maundi Crater, a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the plains below and the peaks of Kilimanjaro.

By late afternoon, you’ll reach Horombo Hut, located at 3,720 meters (12,205 feet). Horombo Hut is a large complex of huts set on a plateau with stunning views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. After settling into your hut, you’ll enjoy a hot meal and take some time to relax and acclimatize at this higher altitude.

Elevation: 2,700 meters to 3,720 meters

Distance: 12 km

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

To improve your chances of reaching the summit, you’ll spend an extra day at Horombo Hut for acclimatization. This day is crucial for adapting to the higher altitude, allowing your body to adjust to the thinner air before ascending further.

You have the option to take a short hike to Zebra Rocks, a striking rock formation located at 4,020 meters (13,189 feet), which offers excellent views and an opportunity to experience higher altitudes before returning to Horombo Hut. Alternatively, you can rest and explore the surrounding area, enjoying the unique flora and the stunning mountain scenery.

This acclimatization day is also an excellent opportunity to interact with fellow trekkers and share experiences. After a day of hiking and resting, you’ll return to Horombo Hut for dinner and another night’s sleep.

Elevation: 3,720 meters to 4,020 meters (Zebra Rocks) and back

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

After breakfast, you’ll continue your ascent, leaving the moorland behind as you enter the alpine desert zone. The trail becomes steeper and more rugged, with the landscape becoming increasingly barren and desolate.

As you climb higher, you’ll pass through the “Saddle,” a vast, barren plain that connects the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. This section of the trek is long and challenging, with the altitude and lack of vegetation making it a mentally and physically demanding day.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Kibo Hut, located at 4,703 meters (15,430 feet). Kibo Hut is a stone-built structure perched on the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi, providing basic shelter before the final summit push. After settling into your hut, you’ll have dinner and rest for a few hours before the midnight ascent.

Elevation: 3,720 meters to 4,703 meters

Distance: 9 km

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6: Summit Day – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

The most challenging and rewarding day of the climb begins with a midnight wake-up call. After a quick snack, you’ll start the final ascent under the cover of darkness, using headlamps to light the way. The trail is steep and rocky, with the cold air and high altitude adding to the difficulty.

You’ll trek up the steep switchbacks of the final push to the crater rim, known as Gilman’s Point, located at 5,685 meters (18,652 feet). After a brief rest at Gilman’s Point, you’ll continue along the rim of the crater to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).

Reaching Uhuru Peak is a moment of triumph, and you’ll have time to take photos and celebrate your achievement before beginning the descent. The descent back to Kibo Hut is challenging, as the steep and rocky trail requires careful navigation. After a short rest at Kibo Hut, you’ll continue the descent to Horombo Hut.

Horombo Hut offers a welcome respite after the long and grueling day. You’ll have time to rest, enjoy a hot meal, and sleep soundly in your hut.

Elevation: 4,703 meters to 5,895 meters (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,720 meters (Horombo Hut)

Distance: 21 km

Hiking Time: 12-15 hours

Habitat: Arctic to Moorland

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Return to Arusha/Moshi

After breakfast, you’ll embark on the final leg of your Kilimanjaro adventure, descending from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate. The trail takes you back through the moorland and into the rainforest, offering a final opportunity to enjoy the diverse flora and fauna of Kilimanjaro.

Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you’ll complete the necessary check-out procedures with the park authorities. You’ll then receive your summit certificates, a testament to your incredible achievement.

A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. After the long and challenging journey, you’ll have the chance to relax, shower, and celebrate your successful Kilimanjaro climb. Dinner will be served at the hotel, where you can share stories of your adventure with fellow trekkers.

Elevation: 3,720 meters to 1,870 meters

Distance: 20 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Moorland to Rainforest