5 Days / 4 Nights

Day 1: Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut 4-5hrs, 8km, 1860-2720m alt

After breakfast, transfer to Marangu Gate for registration and completion of park entry formalities. Begin the trek through the montane rainforest, following a steadily ascending trail towards Mandara Hut.

The forest is characterized by dense vegetation, tall trees, mosses and a variety of birdlife. Depending on conditions, there may also be opportunities to see colobus and blue monkeys.

Arrive at Mandara Hut in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is spent resting and acclimatizing.

Overnight at Mandara Hut.

Day 2: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut 6-8hrs, 12km, 2720-3720m alt

After breakfast, continue the ascent from Mandara Hut. The trail gradually leaves the rainforest and enters the heath and moorland zone, where the landscape becomes more open and vegetation shorter.

The route offers views towards Kibo and Mawenzi, weather permitting. Continue across the moorland to Horombo Hut, which sits below the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi.

Overnight at Horombo Hut.

Day 3: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut 6-8hrs, 10km, 3720-4720m alt

The day’s trek continues towards Kibo, crossing the Saddle, the broad area between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

As altitude increases, vegetation becomes increasingly sparse and the landscape changes to alpine desert. The trail is generally gradual but the effects of altitude become more noticeable.

Arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon. After an early dinner, rest and prepare for the summit attempt, which begins during the night.

Overnight at Kibo Hut.

Day 4: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut 12-15hrs, 22km, 4720-5895m alt

The summit attempt begins around midnight. The initial ascent is steep and follows a rocky, sometimes loose trail towards Gilman’s Point at approximately 5,681 m on the crater rim.

From Gilman’s Point, continue along the crater rim towards Stella Point at approximately 5,739 m, before proceeding towards Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa.

After reaching the summit, begin the descent towards Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut.

Overnight at Horombo Hut.

Day 5: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate 5-7hrs, 20km, 3720-1860m alt

After breakfast, begin the descent through the moorland and heath zones before re-entering the montane rainforest.

Continue to Marangu Gate, where you will complete the required exit formalities and collect your summit certificate where applicable.

Transfer for your next overnight or onward journey.

End of the Kilimanjaro trek.