Day 1: Arusha to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut (2,700m)

Morning pickup from your Arusha hotel (around 8:00 AM) for transfer to Marangu Gate (1,860m). After registration, begin trekking through lush rainforest.

The 4-5 hour hike covers 8km to Mandara Hut (2,700m). Enjoy the shaded trail with sightings of monkeys and vibrant birdlife. The well-maintained path includes stone steps in steeper sections.

Arrive at Mandara Hut, where bunk beds and dining facilities await. Evening temperatures are mild with occasional rain in the forest zone.

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

After breakfast (around 8:00 AM), ascend through thinning forest into the heath and moorland zone. The trail offers panoramic views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

Today's 6-7 hour trek covers 12km with steady elevation gain. Arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720m), where the air is noticeably thinner. Night temperatures drop near freezing.

Optional short acclimatization walk in the afternoon. Enjoy stunning sunset views over the surrounding plains.

Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

A crucial day for adaptation. Hike to Zebra Rocks (4,020m) or Mawenzi Ridge (4,600m), then return to Horombo Hut (3,720m).

The 3-5 hour excursion helps your body adjust to altitude while exploring the alpine desert. Return for lunch and rest.

Afternoon at leisure—hydrate, relax, and prepare for the higher ascent tomorrow.

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,703m)

Morning trek across the lunar-like Saddle Plateau to Kibo Hut (4,703m). The 5-7 hour hike covers 9km with gradual elevation gain.

Arrive at the stark high-altitude basecamp. Temperatures plummet after sunset—prepare summit gear and rest early.

Light dinner followed by attempted sleep before the midnight wake-up. Hydration is critical at this altitude.

Day 5: Summit Day - Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Wake at 11:30 PM for final preparations. Begin the steep 5-7 hour ascent under headlamps, climbing switchbacks to Gilman’s Point (5,681m) at dawn.

Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) for sunrise celebrations. Descend to Kibo Hut for a short break, then proceed to Horombo Hut.

Total trekking time 12-14 hours covering ~21km. Exhaustion fades as the summit achievement sinks in.

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Arusha

Final 5-6 hour descent through rainforest to Marangu Gate (1,860m). The well-graded trail is easier on knees than other routes.

Receive your summit certificate before transferring back to Arusha. Arrive by mid-afternoon (around 3-4 PM) for hotel drop-off. You’ve summited Kilimanjaro via the iconic Marangu Route in 6 days!