Itinerary
- Day 1
Moshi to Mandara Hut
You'll leave Moshi at 8am and drive to Marangu Gate for registration and final preparations. From there, the trek begins through rainforest on a narrow trail with plenty of vegetation overhead. Around midday you'll stop for a picnic lunch at Kisambioni, then continue hiking through the forest to Mandara Hut where you'll arrive by afternoon. If you're feeling up to it, there's an optional short walk to Maundi Crater that offers views across Taveta and toward Mawenzi Peak, though relaxing at the hut is perfectly fine too.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch at Kisambioni), Dinner
Included Activities
- Gate registration at Marangu Gate
- Rainforest trek through narrow trail
- Picnic lunch at Kisambioni
Optional Activities
- Short walk to Maundi Crater
Landmarks/POIs Marangu Gate Mandara Hut Maundi Crater Mawenzi Peak - Day 2
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
After breakfast at Mandara Hut, you'll trek into moorland terrain with rocky ground and sparse, desert-like vegetation. The landscape changes noticeably from yesterday's forest. You'll take a picnic lunch break at Kambi ya Taabu before continuing on to Horombo Hut, which you'll reach around 3pm. On clear days you can see both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks from here. Spend the rest of the day and evening taking it easy at the hut.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch at Kambi ya Taabu), Dinner
Included Activities
- Moorland trek through rocky landscape
- Picnic lunch at Kambi ya Taabu
Landmarks/POIs Horombo Hut Mawenzi Peak Kibo Peak - Day 3
Horombo Hut
This day is designed for your body to adjust to the altitude. You have the option to hike all the way up to Mawenzi Hut for better acclimatization, which increases your odds of reaching Uhuru Peak and gives you views of Kibo from a higher vantage point. If you go, you'll return to Horombo for a late lunch. Either way, you'll spend the afternoon and evening relaxing at Horombo Hut.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Late lunch at Horombo after return from Mawenzi Hut), Dinner
Included Activities
- Acclimatization hike to Mawenzi Hut (optional as part of acclimatization day)
Landmarks/POIs Mawenzi Hut Kibo Peak - Day 4
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
You'll hike through moorland and alpine desert at higher elevations. About an hour in, you'll cross Maua River, a small mountain stream. After that, the terrain opens up and vegetation disappears almost entirely. You'll stop for lunch at Middle Red Hill, then continue with a steady climb through the Saddle (the flat area between the two peaks) for roughly two hours. The landscape is barren and stark, but you get clear views of Kibo and Mawenzi. You'll reach Kibo Hut around 3pm to rest and prepare mentally for tonight's summit attempt.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch at Middle Red Hill), Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike through moorland and alpine desert
- Picnic lunch at Middle Red Hill
Landmarks/POIs Maua River Kibo Hut Kibo Peak Mawenzi Peak - Day 5
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
You'll wake around midnight and start the final push to Uhuru Peak. The ascent takes approximately 5 hours total to reach Gillman's Point on the crater rim. William's Point (5,000 meters) is your first major rest stop, about 2 hours from Kibo Hut, then you'll continue for roughly 30 minutes before rocky switchbacks lead to Gillman's Point at 5,681 meters. From there, the climb to Uhuru Peak is gentler but the altitude makes it slow and exhausting, taking about 2 hours. You'll take photos at the summit, then descend, stopping at Kibo Hut for snacks on the way down to Horombo Hut, where you'll spend your final night on the mountain.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Summit hike to Uhuru Peak
- Descent to Horombo Hut
Landmarks/POIs Uhuru Peak Gillman's Point William's Point - Day 6
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi
After breakfast, you'll descend from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, walking back through the cloud forest. The downhill sections can get slippery so you'll want to watch your footing. Your vehicles will be waiting at the gate to drive you back to Moshi. Once there, you can get that hot shower you've been dreaming about, and your group will celebrate with champagne and Kilimanjaro beer.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Cloud forest descent to Marangu Gate
- Celebration drinks at Moshi
Landmarks/POIs Marangu Gate
