Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arusha – Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara Hut (2700m)

   • After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and driven to the Marangu Gate (1980m).
   • At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA).
   • Then, you will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on the lookout for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys!
   • After 3-4 hours ascending, you will reach the Mandara Hut (2700m). Each hut has 6-8 sleeping bunks (sleeps 60 hikers total) with solar-generated lighting. Next to the central place, there are flush toilets. The porters arrive at the campsite before the clients and will boil water for drinking and washing. The chef will prepare a snack and then dinner for the clients. At nighttime, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing, so be prepared!

   Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

   Distance: Approximately 12 kilometres.

   Habitat: Montane forest.

2. Day 2: Mandara Hut (2700m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)

   • Following breakfast, hikers will begin their ascent out of the rainforest and into the heather moorland. Hikers will pass the Maundi Crater and can climb up to its rim for a spectacular view of the Kibo Crater. You will spot exotic plants in the moorland, including giant lobelia and groundsel.
   • After 6 hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut (3720m). Horombo Hut sleeps 120 hikers and is located on a small plateau. Like the first night, the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you.
   • Enjoy evening snacks and dinner prepared by the chef. Be ready for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this site. 

   Hiking time: 6 hours.
   Distance: Approximately 15 kilometres.
   Habitat: Moorland.

3. Day 3: Horombo Hut (3720m) – Acclimatization day

   • At Horombo Hut, you will spend the day allowing your body to acclimate to high altitude. You can do a day hike to Mawenzi Hut (4600m) for further acclimatization with your guide. Breakfast and dinner will be at the hut, and lunch will either be packed or at the place, depending on your preference for the day.

4. Day 4: Horombo Hut (3720m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)

   • Following an early morning breakfast, you will continue your ascent into the alpine desert habitat. Hikers have the option of 2 trails that lead to Kibo Hut (4700m). The upper route (located to the right of the fork) is the same trail used the previous day for the day hike to Mawenzi Hut. The lower course (located to the left of the division) is the more popular because it is a shorter hiking distance (1 hour more straightforward). Kibo Hut is located in the “Saddle” between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. This camp has no water, but hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office.

   • Eat an early dinner so that hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night.

   • Get to sleep by 19:00!

   Hiking time: 6 hours.

   Distance: Approximately 15 kilometres.

   Habitat: Alpine desert.

5. Day 5: Summit Attempt - Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)

   • First, your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits.
   • Begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m).
   • Then, you will continue your ascent to Gillman's point (5681m). Reaching this section is impressive as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitudes. Gillman's is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow-covered trail until you reach Uhuru Peak's summit (5895m).
   • Reach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, a lifetime accomplishment! You can spend a short time on the discussion taking photographs, and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins.
   • The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours. At Kibo Hut, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun.
   • After eating, you will continue descending to Horombo Hut (3720m). After a strenuous day, you will have dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut.

   Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru and 6 hours to Horombo.

   Distance: Approximately 6 kilometres ascent and 21 kilometres descent.

   Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.

6. Day 6: Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m) - Arusha

   • Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. On the mountain, you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. Tipping is not mandatory but is expected and appreciated.
   • After celebrating, you will descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates, and hikers who reach Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates.
   • After receiving the certificates, you will return to Arusha for long overdue showers, celebrations, and certificate issuance.

   Hiking time: 6 hours.

   Distance: Approximately 27 kilometres.