Itinerary
- Day 1
Nale Moru
You'll drive to Nale Moru village, which takes about 2 hours including a permit stop in Marangu. Once there, you'll sign in and get the porters organized before starting the hike on a wide path through maize and potato fields. From there, the trail enters pine forest and climbs gradually with chances to spot wildlife. As you head higher, the forest thins out and you'll reach the first camp right at the moorland edge where you can see out over the Kenyan plains.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike from Nale Moru through maize and potato fields into pine forest to first camp
Landmarks/POIs Nale Moru Marangu - Day 2
Second Cave
This morning involves a steady ascent toward Second Cave with really good views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. You'll keep climbing through moorland habitat, and it's a gradual but consistent push upward before you reach camp for the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to Second Cave with views of Kibo and Eastern ice fields
Landmarks/POIs Kibo - Day 3
Mawenzi
You'll head out across the moorland on a smaller path toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite sits in a sheltered valley with giant senecios nearby. This is a shorter hiking day on purpose to help your body adjust to the altitude.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike across moorland towards Mawenzi peaks to sheltered valley campsite
Landmarks/POIs Mawenzi - Day 4
Mawenzi Tarn
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes gives way to superb views once you get higher. You'll leave the vegetation behind as you work your way to Mawenzi Tarn, which sits spectacularly in a cirque right beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon opens up, so you can either rest at camp or walk around the surrounding area to keep working on acclimatization.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Climb to Mawenzi Tarn campsite
- Rest or explore surrounding area for acclimatization
Landmarks/POIs Mawenzi Tarn - Day 5
Kibo
You'll cross the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. After that, you'll spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for the final ascent, which starts very early the next morning.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cross the Saddle desert between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite
Landmarks/POIs Kibo - Day 6
Uhuru Peak
Starting very early, between midnight and 2 am, you'll begin the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow toward Gilman's Point on the crater rim. Then you'll keep ascending to Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point. The climb starts in darkness and it's cold until you start descending, so pack all your warm layers. After reaching the summit, you'll head down stopping for lunch and rest at Kibo before continuing to Horombo encampment. This is the most challenging part of the trek with many switchbacks.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Climb from Kibo to Gilman's Point on crater rim
- Ascend to Uhuru Peak (highest point in Africa)
- Summit photos at Uhuru Peak
- Descent to Horombo encampment with rest stop at Kibo
Landmarks/POIs Gilman's Point Uhuru Peak - Day 7
Marangu Gate
After breakfast, you'll make a steady descent through moorland down to Mandara Hut. From there, keep going down through a lush forest path until you reach the National Park gate at Marangu. Lower elevations can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles help a lot. You'll probably be fine in shorts and a t-shirt (but keep rain gear and warmer clothes accessible). Your company vehicle will meet you at the Marangu gate for the drive back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Descent through moorland to Mandara Hut
- Descent through forest to Marangu National Park gate
- Transfer from Marangu gate to hotel in Moshi or Arusha
Landmarks/POIs Mandara Hut Marangu Gate
