Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Arrive in Arusha, where you’ll be welcomed by your Classic Guides Expeditions representative. After your arrival, you’ll have a briefing on the trek, covering the route, gear, and what to expect. You’ll then stay overnight in a comfortable hotel in Arusha to rest and prepare for the upcoming adventure.

Day 2: Drive to Marangu Gate and Begin Trekking to Mandara Hut

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Marangu Gate (1,860 meters) at the Kilimanjaro National Park. Here, you’ll begin your trek to Mandara Hut (2,700 meters), the first stop on the Marangu Route. The hike will take about 4-5 hours, passing through lush tropical rainforest filled with moss-covered trees. You may encounter monkeys and various bird species along the way. Once at Mandara Hut, you’ll settle in for the night.

• Distance: 8 km
• Elevation Gain: 840 meters

Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

After breakfast, you’ll continue your journey through the forested area as you ascend towards Horombo Hut (3,720 meters). The trek will take 5-6 hours, and the vegetation will gradually change as you climb. The trail will take you through heathland and the unique flora of higher altitudes. Upon reaching Horombo Hut, you’ll be surrounded by stunning views of the mountain and its glaciers. This is a great spot to rest and acclimatize before the final ascent.

• Distance: 12 km
• Elevation Gain: 1,020 meters

Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

Today is an acclimatization day. You’ll stay at Horombo Hut, where you’ll take a short hike up towards Zebra Rock or Kiboyne for a few hours before returning to the hut. This is essential for adjusting to the higher altitude and will help your body prepare for the summit. You’ll also have time to rest, eat, and hydrate in preparation for the challenging days ahead.

• Elevation: 3,720 meters (staying at this altitude)
• Acclimatization Hike: A short day hike for altitude

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

On this day, you’ll continue your trek to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters), the final stop before the summit. The terrain becomes more arid as you leave the heathland behind and enter a barren alpine desert with stunning views. The hike will take about 5-6 hours. After arriving at Kibo Hut, you’ll have an early dinner and prepare for the summit attempt, which will begin in the early hours of the morning.

• Distance: 10 km
• Elevation Gain: 980 meters

Day 6: Summit Day – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Summit day is the most demanding and challenging part of the trek. You’ll begin your ascent from Kibo Hut around midnight or early morning (depending on the guide’s recommendation). The first part of the hike will take you up Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters) along a rocky and steep route. From there, you’ll continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), the highest point in Africa.

The climb will take approximately 6-7 hours, with temperatures below freezing, so you’ll need to be prepared for cold conditions.

Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After spending some time at the summit to take photos and enjoy the view, you’ll begin the descent back to Kibo Hut.

• Distance: 6 km (to Gilman’s Point) + 2 km (to Uhuru Peak)
• Elevation Gain: 1,195 meters
• Descent: 4-5 hours to Kibo Hut

Day 7: Kibo Hut to Marangu Gate

After your summit attempt, you’ll begin your descent to Marangu Gate. The descent from Kibo Hut to Horombo Hut will take about 3-4 hours. After a short break, you’ll continue descending down to Marangu Gate, which will take another 4-5 hours. You’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Arusha, where you can celebrate your achievement and relax after the incredible journey.

• Distance: 20 km
• Elevation Loss: 2,100 meters