The Challenge Plan: Day-by-Day

Day 1: The Ascent to Mandara Hut

Your quest begins at the Marangu Gate. After registering, you will begin your hike through the lush, misty rainforest. Your first destination is Mandara Hut (2,700m). Along the way, keep an eye out for black-and-white colobus monkeys and unique birdlife. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable A-frame hut, preparing for the next day’s climb.

Elevation: 1,860m to 2,700m
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

Day 2: Into the Heathland

Leaving the rainforest behind, you’ll enter the open moorland, where the terrain becomes more rugged. This leg of the journey offers stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. You’ll hike for 5-6 hours to reach Horombo Hut (3,720m), a bustling “village” of cabins where you’ll get your first real feel for the altitude.

Elevation: 2,700m to 3,720m
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland

Day 3: The Alpine Desert

Today, the landscape changes dramatically as you ascend to Kibo Hut. You’ll cross the barren, lunar-like landscape of the “Saddle,” a vast alpine desert between Kilimanjaro’s two peaks. After 5-6 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Kibo Hut (4,703m). This is your final base camp, where you’ll have an early dinner and rest before your midnight summit attempt.

Elevation: 3,720m to 4,703m
Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 4: Summit Day! The Ultimate Victory

The final, most challenging stage of your quest begins around midnight. With headlamps on, you’ll begin the steep, strenuous climb to Uhuru Peak. After a grueling 6-8 hours, you’ll reach Gillman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim just as the sun rises. From there, it’s a final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa! After celebrating your victory, you will begin the long descent back to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved night’s rest.

Elevation: 4,703m to 5,895m (summit) to 3,720m
Distance: 22 km / 13.7 miles
Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert & Arctic Summit

Day 5: Triumphant Descent

After a final breakfast on the mountain, you will begin your celebratory descent. The trail takes you through the stunning heathland and back into the lush rainforest. You’ll arrive at the Marangu Gate (1,860m) in the afternoon, where you will receive your official summit certificate. From there, a vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a warm shower and a celebratory dinner.