Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts

Distance: 8.3km / 5mi

Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Elevation Gain: 818m (1905m/6250ft to 2723m/8934ft)

Itinerary:

Drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate.Obtain permits and start the trek through the rainforest.

Trail may be muddy and slippery; gaiters and trekking poles recommended.

Arrive at Mandara Huts for overnight stay.

 

Day 2: Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts

Distance: 12.5km / 7.8mi

Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Mooreland

Elevation Gain: 998m (2723m/8934ft to 3721m/12,208ft)

Itinerary:

Ascend through heathland and moorlands. Lunch break with views of Mawenzi.Continue to Horombo Huts, where temperatures begin to drop.

 

Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Huts

Activities: Rest or hike to Mawenzi base camp for acclimatization.

Accommodation: Second night at Horombo Huts.

 

 

 

 

 

Day 4: Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts

Distance: 10.5km / 6mi

Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Elevation Gain: 993m (3721m/12,208ft to 4714m/15,466ft)

Itinerary:

Trek through dwindling heathland into a moonscape. Cross the saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo.Lunch and rest before reaching Kibo Huts.

 

Day 5: Summit Day (Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Huts)

Distance to Summit: 6.25km / 3.9mi

Time to Summit: 5-7 hours

Elevation Gain: 1181m (4714m/15,466ft to 5895m/19,341ft)

Descent Distance: 15.75km / 9mi

Descent Time: 5-6 hours

Altitude Lost: 2174m (5895m/19,341ft to 3721m/12,208ft)

Habitat: Glaciers, snow-capped summit

Itinerary:

Early start between midnight and 2 a.m. for the summit push. Ascend via switchbacks through scree and snow to Gillman’s Point. Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After summit celebrations, descend to Horombo Huts via Barafu for lunch and brief rest.

Overnight at Horombo Huts.

 

Day 6: Descent from Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate

Distance: 20km / 12.5mi

Time: 6-7 hours

Elevation Loss: 1816m (3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft)

Itinerary:

After breakfast, descend through moorland and rainforest. Arrive at Marangu Gate, collect certificates.

Transfer back to Moshi for overnight stay or transfer to the airport.