Day 1: Arusha – Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut

After an early breakfast, your guide will meet you at your accommodation for a detailed pre-climb briefing and a thorough gear check to ensure you are fully prepared for the trek. Any missing equipment can be arranged from local rental shops before departure. You will then be transferred to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft), a 2–3.5-hour drive. After completing park registration and enjoying a hot lunch, your adventure begins with a scenic hike through lush rainforest, often accompanied by light showers. By late afternoon, you will arrive at Mandara Hut (2,720m/8,923ft) for dinner and overnight.
• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hrs
• Habitat: Montane Forest

Day 2: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut

Today’s trek takes you out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. As you ascend, the vegetation changes, opening up spectacular views of the mountain peaks. You’ll arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,204ft), nestled in a valley surrounded by striking giant lobelia and groundsel plants. Facilities here include running water and bathrooms. Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hrs
• Habitat: Moorland

Day 3: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut

After breakfast, the trail continues past the final water point and leads you across the vast alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The barren landscape, known as the Saddle, resembles a lunar desert with sparse vegetation. This gradual ascent brings you to Kibo Hut (4,720m/15,485ft), where you will rest and prepare for your midnight summit attempt.
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 6–7 hrs
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 4: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut

A very early start before dawn takes you along a zigzag trail over volcanic scree, reaching Gillman’s Point (5,685m/18,652ft) in about 5–6 hours. Here, you’ll witness an unforgettable sunrise over Mawenzi. From Gillman’s, a further 2-hour trek leads you to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating this achievement and capturing summit photos, you descend back to Kibo Hut for a meal, then continue down to Horombo Hut (3,720m) for overnight.
• Distance: 16.5 km
• Hiking Time: 11 hrs (up & down)
• Habitat: Ice/Glacier

Day 5: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Arusha

On your final day, you descend through the moorland and lush forest, passing Mandara Hut along the way, before arriving at Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft). Here, you will say goodbye to your guides and porters, receive your official summit certificates, and share a farewell lunch with the mountain crew. Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to Arusha for a well-deserved rest.