Day 1
Today is your arrival day before your trekking adventure begins.
Day 2
You will drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru for about two hours which include a stop to get permits in Marangu. After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the pine forest.
You will then start to climb through a consistent track and attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
- Elevation: 2,000 meters / 6,560 feet to 2,650 meters / 8,700 feet
- Distance: 6 kilometers / 4 miles
- Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours
- Habitat: Montane forest
Day 3
In the morning, you will hike a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
- Elevation: 2,650 meters / 8,700 feet to 3,450 meters / 11,300 feet
- Distance: 6 kilometers / 4 miles
- Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 4
On this day, you will continue your hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.
- Elevation: 3,450 meters / 11,300 feet to 3,880 meters / 12,700 feet
- Distance: 9 kilometers / 5 miles
- Hiking time: 2 - 3 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
Day 5
You will hike to Kibo Huts at the bottom of the Kibo's crater wall. The remainder of the day will be spent by resting to prepare for the final ascent in the morning.
- Elevation: 3,880 meters / 12,700 feet to 4,750 meters / 15,600 feet
- Distance: 5 kilometers / 3 miles
- Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 6
Very early in the morning (midnight to 02:00), you will commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (5,700 meters / 18,700 feet). After that, you will ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. You can take pictures at the summit to show your friends and family.
From there, you will descend and stop for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing the journey to the Horombo encampment. It will be by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there.
- Elevation: 4,700 meters / 15,500 feet to 5,895 meters / 19,340 feet
- Down to: 3,700 meters / 12,200 feet
- Distance: 6 kilometers / 4 miles up / 15 kilometers / 9 miles up
- Hiking time: 6 - 8 hours up
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 7
After having breakfast, you will take a steady descent through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through the lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will be helpful. A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about one hour). Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters.
- Elevation: 3,700 meters / 12,200 feet to 1,700 meters / 5,500 feet
- Distance: 20 kilometers / 12.5 miles
- Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
Day 8
Today is the last day of your safari.
