Itinerary

1. Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

   • Transfer from hotel in Moshi to Marangu Gate (6,000 ft/1,830 m).

   • After registration at the Marangu Gate, start hiking through dense Montane forest (rainforest).

   • Enjoy the beautiful view and also spot animals, birds, and other natural impressions of the forest. 

   • Halfway through the trek, rest and have lunch before reaching Mandara Hut.

   • After arriving at Mandara Hut, unpack, rest, bathe and wait for the preparation of dinner.

   Overnight stay at the hut.

2. Day 2: Mandara Huts (9,000 ft /2,740 m) to Horombo Huts (12,100 ft / 3,690 m)

   • After breakfast at 7:30 am, hike on the moorland/heathland area.

   • Get different views of heathland/moorland dotted with giant lobelias, groundsels, and small shrubs, which are the main vegetation of moorlands. 

   • On the way, have lunch while surrounded by amazing views of Mawenzi peak and Kifinika Mountain, which was being used by the Chagga tribe as part of their traditional beliefs. 

   • Arrive at Horombo Hut, and view the Kibo summit.

   • Rest, unpack, and wait for dinner. Bathrooms with running water are available. 

   • Climbers may start to feel the effects of altitude here. It is advisable to acclimatize. 

   • Choose to spend an extra day resting at Horombo or climbing to a base camp below Kibo sub peak Mawenzi.

   11 km, 6-8 hours, moorland/heathland

3. Day 3: Acclimatisation Day

   • After breakfast, start hiking for acclimatisation via Mawenzi Peak to see the Zebra rock, which is at 13779ft/4200m. 

   • Spend some time to gain altitude and enjoy the sceneries of the Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Peak, plus beautiful flora and fauna. 

   • Afterwards, get back for lunch and rest as much as possible.

4. Day 4: Horombo Huts (12,100 ft/ 3,690 m) to Kibo Huts (15,400 ft /4,695 m)

   • After breakfast, start hiking on a different zone again; this time, it will be an alpine desert, crossing through a sweeping saddle that connects Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. 

   • Here, the temperatures can drop significantly because of the cold winds blowing between the peaks of Kibo and Mwenzi. 

   • While having lunch, and later, while crossing this surprisingly large saddle, examine the summit climb up Kibo.

   • Be careful to notice and let the guide know about any signs of altitude sickness. 

   • Unpack, rest, and wait for dinner at Kibo Hut.

   • Sleep early in order to wake up on time for summit day.

   9 km, 6-8 hours Alpine Desert

5. Day 5: Summit Day

   • Start hiking to the summit (Uhuru Peak 19340ft). Note that it will become colder, and some climbers might experience symptoms of altitude sickness like a little headache or nausea.
   • Wake up at midnight, get a light breakfast and prepare for the summit. Carry warm gear and wear warm clothes.
   • At 12:00 am, switch back up steep scree or possibly snow before arriving at Gilman's Point 18640 ft/ 5861 m, which is at the rim of the crater. Get views of the crater and the eastern glacier. 
   • Start walking on the rim of the crater, crossing Stella Point to arrive at Uhuru Peak 19340ft/5895m, the highest peak of Mountain Kilimanjaro. The sunrise could probably take place between 6:00 am to 7:00 am.
   • After arriving at the summit, spend time taking pictures.
   • Afterwards, start descending back to Kibo Hut.
   • Upon arrival at the hut, have lunch, and descend to Horombo Hut for dinner and rest.

6. Day 6: Horombo Huts (12,100 ft/ 3,690 m) to Marangu Gate (6,000 ft/1,830 m)

   • After breakfast, pack up, and start descending through the moorland to Mandara Huts. 
   • Have lunch.
   • Continue triumphant recessional down through the lush forest to the park gate, arriving around 02:00 pm-03:00 pm.
   • Remember to tip guides, cooks, and porters.
   • Transfer back to the hotel.