Itinerary

1. Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut (2,720 m)

   Your trek begins with a transfer to Marangu Gate for registration and briefing. After meeting your guides and porters, you start hiking through a lush and vibrant rainforest filled with blue monkeys, colorful birds, and thick mossy trees. The trail ascends gently as you enjoy the cool forest air before arriving at Mandara Hut, where you spend the night. If time allows, you may take an optional short walk to Maundi Crater for scenic views of Kenya and the surrounding landscape.

2. Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720 m)

   After breakfast, you continue climbing through the last stretch of the rainforest until the landscape opens into moorland. Giant lobelias and groundsels dominate the scenery as the air becomes cooler and thinner. The trail gradually ascends toward Horombo Hut, offering stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. You reach Horombo in the afternoon, where hot tea, dinner, and a comfortable mountain hut bed await.

3. Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

   This important day helps your body adapt to altitude and increases your summit success. You take a relaxed hike toward the Zebra Rocks or hike partially toward Mawenzi Base to gain elevation and return to Horombo for lunch. The rest of the day is spent resting, hydrating, and enjoying sweeping views of the mountain environment. This extra day is crucial in preparing for the higher altitude ahead.

4. Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,700 m)

   Today you leave the moorland and enter the striking alpine desert. The trail stretches between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo, giving you dramatic open landscapes and clear panoramic views. The hike is steady and long, but not steep. You arrive at Kibo Hut, located at the foot of the Kibo crater wall. Here you enjoy an early dinner and prepare for your midnight summit attempt. Rest is essential as the hardest day is ahead.

5. Day 5: Kibo Hut – Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Back to Horombo Hut

   Your summit push begins around midnight. With headlamps lighting the way, you climb steep switchbacks toward Gilman’s Point, where the sunrise reveals a breathtaking snowy crater. You continue along the rim to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, you begin your descent back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut, where you will enjoy a well-deserved dinner and sleep after an unforgettable day.

6. Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Transfer to Moshi

   After breakfast, you descend through the moorland and rainforest, enjoying fresh air as you walk back to Marangu Gate. Upon arrival, you check out of the park and receive your Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate. You then meet your driver for a transfer back to Moshi or the airport, ending a successful and memorable Kilimanjaro adventure.