Itinerary

1. Day 1: Hotel to Simba Camp

   • Drive to the wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a permit stop at Marangu).
   • Sign in, prepare porters, and begin the trek on a wide path through maize and potato fields.
   • Enter pine forest and climb gently while spotting wildlife along the way.
   • Reach Simba Camp at the edge of the moorland zone with views over the Kenyan plains.

   Elevation: 2000m / 6560ft → 2650m / 8700ft

   Distance: 6km / 4mi

   Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

   Habitat: Montane Forest

   Meals: Lunch and Dinner

2. Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave

   • Start the day with a steady ascent towards Second Cave.
   • Enjoy spectacular views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

   Overnight stay at Second Cave Camp.

   Elevation: 2650m / 8700ft → 3450m / 11,300ft

   Distance: 6km / 4mi

   Walking Time: 3–4 hours

   Habitat: Moorland

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

3. Day 3: Second Cave to Third Cave

   • Continue trekking from Second Cave to Third Cave.
   • Walk through semi-desert terrain with a gradual ascent.
   • The day involves a shorter hike for better acclimatisation.

   Camp overnight at Third Cave.

   Elevation: 3450m / 11,300ft → 3880m / 12,700ft

   Distance: 9km / 5mi

   Walking Time: 2–3 hours

   Habitat: Semi-desert

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

4. Day 4: Third Cave to Kibo Hut

   • Trek towards Kibo Hut located at the base of the Kibo crater wall.
   • Arrive early and spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for the summit attempt.

   Elevation: 3880m / 12,700ft → 4750m / 15,600ft

   Distance: 5km / 3mi

   Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

   Habitat: Alpine Desert

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

5. Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

   • Begin the summit climb between midnight and 2 am using headlamps or flashlights.
   • Hike on steep scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point at 5700m / 18,700ft on the crater rim.
   • Continue to Uhuru Peak at 5895m / 19,340ft, the highest point in Africa.
   • Enjoy incredible views and take photos at the summit.
   • Descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest and lunch.
   • Continue descending to Horombo Hut for the night.
   • Be prepared for very cold conditions during the climb and use all your warm layers.
   • This is the most challenging part of the trek, but slow walking (“pole pole”) and determination will help.

   Elevation: 4700m / 15,500ft → 5895m / 19,340ft (up) → 3700m / 12,200ft (down)

   Distance: 6km / 4mi up | 15km / 9mi down

   Hiking Time: 6–8 hours up | 6–8 hours down

   Habitat: Alpine Desert

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

6. Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Hotel in Moshi

   • After breakfast, descend steadily through moorland to Mandara Hut.
   • Continue trekking through lush forest on a wet and possibly muddy path.
   • Use gaiters and trekking poles for easier descent.
   • Wear shorts and t-shirts in the warmer lower altitudes, but keep rain gear and warm clothes handy.
   • Exit the trail at Marangu Gate at 1700m / 5500ft.
   • Meet the Monkey Adventures vehicle for transfer back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

   Elevation: 3700m / 12,200ft → 1700m / 5500ft

   Distance: 20km / 12.5mi

   Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

   Habitat: Forest

   Meals: Breakfast