Itinerary
- Day 1
Arusha to Mandara Hut
Start with breakfast at your hotel in Arusha before getting picked up for the drive to Marangu Gate. After registering with Tanzania National Park, you'll begin hiking into the rainforest and ascending for about 3-4 hours through montane forest. Watch for Colobus monkeys as you move through misty, muddy conditions. You'll reach Mandara Hut at 2,700m where you'll sleep in shared bunks with solar lighting.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Early breakfast at hotel), Lunch, Dinner (Dinner prepared by chef at Mandara Hut)
Included Activities
- Hike from Marangu Gate through rainforest to Mandara Hut (3-4 hours, approximately 12 kilometres)
- Registration with Tanzania National Park (TANAPA)
- Wildlife spotting including Colobus monkeys
Landmarks Marangu Gate Mandara Hut 
- Day 2
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Following breakfast, you'll hike out of the rainforest into heather moorland over roughly 6 hours. Maundi Crater comes up along the way, and you can detour to climb its rim if you want views toward Kibo Crater. Giant lobelia and groundsel plants appear as you move through the landscape. By late afternoon you'll arrive at Horombo Hut at 3,720m, which sits on a small plateau.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Evening snacks and dinner prepared by chef)
Included Activities
- Hike from Mandara Hut through moorland to Horombo Hut (6 hours, approximately 15 kilometres)
- Pass Maundi Crater
- Optional climb to Maundi Crater rim for Kibo Crater views
Optional Activities
- Climb to Maundi Crater rim for spectular views of Kibo Crater
Landmarks Maundi Crater Kibo Crater Horombo Hut 
- Day 3
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
The day involves continuing upward through upper heathland toward the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. You'll pass the last watering point available on this route, then the vegetation gradually fades into barren terrain as altitude increases. The landscape becomes moonlike and sparse as you climb into the Alpine Desert. You'll reach Kibo Hut at 4,700m where you'll rest and prepare mentally for the summit attempt ahead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut across the saddle (5-6 hours, 9 kilometres)
- Pass last watering point
- Trek through upper heathland into Alpine Desert moonscape
Landmarks Kibo Crater Mawenzi Peak 
- Day 4
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and back to Horombo Hut
The summit push starts between midnight and 2 AM, climbing steep scree through darkness toward Gilman's Point on the crater rim. Headlamps are essential and snow may be present depending on conditions. After reaching Gilman's Point, continue ascending to Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point, where you'll take celebratory photos and enjoy the views. Then you'll descend for lunch and rest at Kibo before making your way back down to Horombo Hut. This is the most demanding day, requiring warm layers, mental toughness, and physical determination.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at Kibo Hut during descent), Dinner
Included Activities
- Summit climb from Kibo Hut to Gilman's Point (6-8 hours, 6 kilometres)
- Ascent to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m - highest point in Africa
- Descent to Kibo Hut for lunch and rest
- Descent from Kibo Hut to Horombo Hut (approximately 15 kilometres)
Landmarks Gilman's Point Uhuru Peak - Day 5
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and Arusha
After breakfast, you'll descend steadily through moorland back to Mandara Hut, then continue down through lush forest to Marangu Gate. The lower elevations get wetter and muddier, so trekking poles and gaiters help with conditions. Shorts and a t-shirt work fine but keep rain gear accessible. Your vehicle will be waiting at the gate for the return drive to your hotel or airport. Don't forget to tip your guides and porters to celebrate reaching the summit.
- End point
- Arusha, Tanzania (Hotels)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Descent from Horombo Hut through moorland to Mandara Hut
- Descent through lush forest to Marangu Gate (4-5 hours, 20 kilometres)
- Return transfer from Marangu Gate to hotel or airport
Landmarks Marangu Gate 
