DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and Transfer to Moshi
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Moshi for rest and final preparations for your adventure. Get a good night’s sleep before your climb.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Meals: None included
Day 1 - Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Marangu Gate (1,860m/6,100ft), where your adventure begins. Register at the gate, meet your team of guides and porters, and start your hike through the lush Montane Forest. You’ll enjoy stunning views and might spot monkeys along the way. Arrive at Mandara Hut for your overnight stay.
Elevation: 1,860m/6,100ft to 2,700m/8,875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Accommodation: Mandara Hut
Meals: Lunch and Dinner included
Day 2 - Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Start your day with breakfast before hiking through the forest and onto the moorland zone. This section offers breathtaking views and unique vegetation, such as giant lobelias and groundsels. Arrive at Horombo Hut, where you’ll rest for the night.
Elevation: 2,700m/8,875ft to 3,720m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Day 3 - Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut (Optional Day Hike to Zebra Rocks)
This is an important acclimatization day. Spend the day at Horombo Hut to allow your body to adjust to the higher altitude. You can take an optional hike to Zebra Rocks (4,200m/13,780ft) for some stunning views and to further help with the acclimatization process. Return to Horombo Hut for another night of rest.
Elevation: 3,720m/12,200ft to 4,200m/13,780ft (optional hike)
Distance: Optional 5-7 km/3-4.5 miles (round trip)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours (optional hike)
Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Day 4 - Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Today’s hike takes you across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The terrain is mostly rocky and dry, with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon, where you’ll rest and prepare for the summit attempt.
Elevation: 3,720m/12,200ft to 4,700m/15,420ft
Distance: 9km/5.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Day 5 - Kibo Hut to Summit (Uhuru Peak) and Descent to Horombo Hut
Begin your summit attempt around midnight. The climb is steep and challenging, but your guide will pace you through to Gilman’s Point (5,685m/18,650ft) and then to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft), the highest point in Africa! After enjoying the sunrise and taking photos, descend back to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved rest.
Elevation: 4,700m/15,420ft to 5,895m/19,341ft (Summit), then down to 3,720m/12,200ft
Distance: 22km/13.7mi (total)
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours (total)
Habitat: Arctic Zone, then Moorland
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Day 6 - Descend to Marangu Gate and Transfer to Moshi
On your final day, descend through the lush forest back to Marangu Gate. After receiving your summit certificates, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi for a much-deserved rest or onward travel arrangements.
Elevation: 3,720m/12,200ft to 1,860m/6,100ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi (Optional)
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch included