Day 1: Arrival in Moshi – Pre-Climb Briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. After settling in, you’ll meet your mountain guide for a thorough briefing and gear check. This is also your chance to ask questions and ensure you’re prepared. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Moshi.
Day 2: Moshi to Mandara Hut (2,700 m)
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 8 km
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Marangu Gate (1,870 m) where registration and introductions to your trekking team take place. Begin your hike through the lush rainforest, home to monkeys, birds, and rich vegetation. The trail climbs steadily to Mandara Hut, your first overnight stop. After settling in, you may take a short walk to Maundi Crater for beautiful views of Kenya and Northern Tanzania. Dinner and overnight at Mandara Hut.
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours | Distance: 12 km
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
Today, you’ll leave the forest and enter the open moorland zone. The trail ascends steadily with stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. You’ll pass giant lobelias and unique alpine vegetation along the way. Arrive at Horombo Hut in the afternoon, where you’ll rest, rehydrate, and prepare for the higher altitudes. Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Optional Hike to Zebra Rocks (4,000 m) | Hiking Time: 2–4 hours
This day is set aside for acclimatization to improve your chances of reaching the summit. You’ll take a short acclimatization hike to the striking Zebra Rocks, named for their distinctive black and white stripes. Return to Horombo Hut for lunch and a relaxed afternoon. This extra day helps your body adjust to the altitude. Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours | Distance: 10 km
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, you’ll continue the trek to Kibo Hut, crossing the Saddle — a high-altitude desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The air gets thinner and the landscape more barren. Arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon, eat an early dinner, and get some rest. You’ll be woken around midnight to begin your summit attempt.
Day 6: Summit Day – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and down to Horombo Hut
Hiking Time: 11–14 hours | Distance: 18 km total
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. The trail climbs steeply over rocky terrain to Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) on the crater rim. From there, it’s another hour or two along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, begin your descent back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut for your final night on the mountain. This is a long, rewarding day. Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Return to Moshi
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours | Distance: 20 km
Enjoy your final breakfast on the mountain before descending through the moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate. You’ll sign out and receive your summit certificate — gold for Uhuru Peak, green for Gilman’s Point. After saying goodbye to your trekking team, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower, rest, and celebration.