Itinerary

1. Day 1: Moshi to Marangu Gate to Kilema Gate to Horombo Hut

   • Meet your guide and embark on your transfer to the Marangu Gate, which takes about 45 minutes. 
   • Pass through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Register at the Park office. 
   • Drive to the Kilema gate. Upon arrival, you will ensure that you have all your daypack items (containing at least drinking water, your lunch pack and extra clothing) and do a final check on your mountain bike. 
   • Start the first route section of 16 km from the Kilema gate (1950m) to the Horombo hut (3 705m). Bikers with good fitness levels, mountain biking skills and subject to road conditions, will be able to cycle all the way to Horombo hut. It is important to remember that the biggest cause of altitude sickness is ascending too high too quickly. Stop regularly and give your body the maximum time to adjust to the higher altitudes. 
   • Aim to reach Horombo hut at around 3:00 pm. 

   Dinner and Overnight at Horombo Hut.

2. Day 2: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Hut to Horombo Hut

   • Start your cycling ride through the Alpine desert.
   • Explore some areas that you will be riding on a small stone up to Mawenzi hut and back to Horombo hut.

   The cycling distance is 10 kilometres.

3. Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut to Horombo Hut

   • Start your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. The first 3 km of the trail is very rocky, and cycling will be tough as this section is very stony and eroded. After about 3 km, the trail improves, and cycling will once again be possible. 
   • Reach the “Saddle”, which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. It is relatively flat, and cycling is much easier. However, high altitudes, low oxygen levels and cold conditions make the 7km section towards Kibo hut strenuous and challenging. The final km before reaching Kibo hut is especially strenuous. 
   • Remind yourself to slow down and drink enough water. Upon arrival at Kibo hut, lunch will be served.  
   • Embark on an awesome Kilimanjaro downhill, descending nearly 800m over 7km. The final 3km descend to Horombo hut is very technical and challenging. 

   Dinner and overnight at Horombo hut.

4. Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

   • Wake up early and make sure your duffel bags are packed and ready to go. 
   • Head back up to Kibo hut. Again the first 3 km would require you pushing and carrying your bike a lot, with the final 7 km to Kibo hut offering a good biking trail. 
   • Enjoy lunch and then rest at around 16h00; hike partially up the summit path to orientate yourself for the summit attempt later that night. Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Kibo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. There are platform toilets behind the hut. The summit (Uhuru Peak) is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. 
   • Prepare your equipment, thermal clothing etc for your summit bid. This should include placing your headlamp and camera batteries; make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise you summon porters to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible, until 22h00. 

   Dinner and overnight at Kibo hut.

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

   • Be awakened by your guides to start the zigzag trek up long slop. 
   • Reach Hans Meyer’s Cave, and from here, the gradient gets steeper. 
   • Continue your climb for approximately another three hours to Gilman’s Point, take your bike from porters and start riding to Uhuru peak.
   • Arrive at Uhuru peak, spend a few minutes or take photos and then ride down to Stella Point. After lunch, ride down to Horombo Hut.

   Dinner and overnight at Horombo hut.

6. Day 6: Horombo Hut to Kilema Gate to Marangu Gate to Moshi

   • Ride down to Kilema gate across the alpine. 
   • Transfer to Marangu gate for check out and then to the hotel in Moshi. 

   Dinner and overnight at Moshi.