Your adventure begins with a comfortable transfer from your hotel to Marangu Gate for registration. After meeting your expert crew, we start our trek through the lush, misty Rainforest. The path is well-defined and gradually uphill, leading us to Mandara Hut. This short, beautiful day provides a gentle introduction to the climb and the unique experience of spending your first night in the mountain huts.

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation Gate: 6,046 ft (1,843 m) to Hut: 8,858 ft (2,700 m)

Distance 8 km / 5 miles

Hike Time 4 – 5 hours

Habitat Rainforest

Meals Lunch

Today, we transition from the dense rainforest into the beautiful, rolling hills of the Heath and Moorland zone. The cloud cover often breaks here, rewarding you with spectacular views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The landscape features unique high-altitude flora, including giant heathers. The steady uphill trek leads us to Horombo Hut, a large camp nestled below the two great peaks, where we will spend the next two nights, allowing for maximum rest and acclimatization.

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation From: 8,858 ft (2,700 m) to Hut: 12,205 ft (3,720 m)

Distance 12 km / 7.5 miles

Hike Time 5 – 7 hours

Habitat Heath and Moorland

Meals Full

This is the key to your success! Tanzania Songbirds Safaris includes this vital acclimatization day to ensure your body adapts fully to the altitude. We’ll take an easy, scenic hike towards Mawenzi Hut (14,160 ft / 4,316 m) before returning to Horombo. This practice utilizes the “Climb High, Sleep Low” strategy, exposing your body to a higher altitude for a short period before descending to sleep. This significantly improves your summit chances and overall enjoyment of the trek.

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation From: 12,205 ft (3,720 m) / Trek High Point: 14,160 ft (4,316 m) / Return to: 12,205 ft (3,720 m)

Distance 5 km / 3.1 miles (Round trip)

Hike Time 3 – 4 hours

Habitat Heath and Moorland

Meals Full

A full day’s trek takes us through the Upper Moorland and across the barren, rocky plateau known as the Alpine Desert. The path leads directly towards the impressive Kibo cone. The vegetation thins out dramatically, giving way to a desolate, lunar landscape. We arrive at Kibo Hut, situated beneath the final scree slopes of the summit. After an early dinner, you will prepare all your gear for the midnight ascent, conserving every bit of energy for the summit bid.

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation From: 12,205 ft (3,720 m) to Hut: 15,430 ft (4,703 m)

Distance 10 km / 6.2 miles

Hike Time 5 – 7 hours

Habitat Alpine Desert

Meals Full

The most challenging but rewarding day. Starting just after midnight, we trek through the cold, steep scree and into the Arctic zone. The arduous climb leads us to Gilman’s Point (18,650 ft / 5,685 m) on the crater rim to greet the sunrise, before continuing the traverse to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft / 5,895 m), the true “Roof of Africa.” After celebrating, we begin the long descent back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest, followed by a continued descent all the way back to the comfort and warmth of Horombo Hut.

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation Ascent: 15,430 ft (4,703 m) to 19,341 ft (5,895 m) / Descent to Hut: 12,205 ft (3,720 m)

Distance Ascent: 6 km / 3.7 miles / Descent: 16 km / 9.9 miles

Hike Time 7 – 8 hours (Ascent) / 6 – 8 hours (Descent)

Habitat Arctic, Alpine Desert, and Moorland

Meals Full Meals

Your final trek is a triumphant walk back down through the familiar Moorland and back into the lush Rainforest. With gravity on your side, this rapid descent is easy on the legs. At Marangu Gate, you will check out and receive your official summit certificates. Our comfortable Tanzania Songbirds Safaris vehicle will be waiting to provide a smooth, relaxing journey back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can finally celebrate your outstanding achievement in style.

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation From: 12,205 ft (3,720 m) to Gate: 6,046 ft (1,843 m)

Distance 20 km / 12.4 miles

Hike Time 5 – 7 hours

Habitat Moorland and Rainforest

Meals Breakfast & Lunch