ITINERARY

DAY - 1

Airport pick-up- Drop off at Hotel

Tenebo Adventures staff will pick you up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and drive you to your accommodation in Moshi. The  participants will receive a brief climb briefing The next day, and kits and equipment will be checked to ensure everything is in order for the trek.

DAY - 2

Marangu Gate (1860m) – Mandara hut (2715m) Hiking time: 5 hours Distance: 8.1 km

The drive from Moshi to Kilimanjaro National Park gate takes about 50 minutes, passing through Marangu village. Upon arrival, hikers must sign in at the park office and make final preparations. Porters will organize their loads, including food, water, and equipment.

From the gate, you’ll ascend via a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest, home to many of Kilimanjaro’s animals. An alternative scenic trail branches off shortly after the gate, following a stream and offering the choice to rejoin the main path after 1.5 hours or closer to Mandara Hut.

Mandara Hut is a cluster of wooden A-frame huts in a forest clearing. Each hut contains 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar-powered lighting, and the camp accommodates up to 60 climbers. Water is piped from nearby springs, and flush toilets are available behind the main hut.

DAY - 3

Mandara hut (2715m) – Horombo hut (3705m) Hiking time: 6 hours Distance: 11.6 km

From Mandara Hut, the trail passes through a short section of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater, transitioning into moorland. A short detour to the Maundi Crater rim offers a stunning view of the Kibo Crater. On clear days, Kibo sparkles in the distance, with glaciers visible in the morning light.

As you move into the moorland, you'll encounter Kilimanjaro’s unique flora, including the giant lobelia, which can grow up to 3 meters tall, and the giant groundsel (Senecia Kilimanjari), which reaches heights of up to 5 meters. After approximately 6 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Horombo Hut for your overnight stay.

DAY - 4

Horombo hut (3705m) – Acclimatization day

Horombo Hut is a village of huts located on a small plateau, similar to Mandara, but with a larger capacity of 120 climbers. The area is typically lively, filled with hikers, guides, and porters, creating an exciting and adventurous atmosphere. Here, you will encounter both climbers ascending and descending.

This additional day and night at Horombo are dedicated to acclimatization. To further assist with acclimatization, a hike towards Mawenzi Hut is strongly recommended. The hike, passing the Zebra Rocks along the way, takes about 3 hours to ascend and 1.5 hours to descend.

DAY - 5

Horombo hut (3705m) – Kibo hut (4730m) Hiking time: 6 hours Distance: 9.6 km

After breakfast, the ascent continues into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo, there are two trails leading to the "Saddle" (the area between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks): the upper route (right fork) and the lower route (left fork). The upper route is familiar, as you hiked part of it toward Mawenzi Hut the previous day, but it’s stony and eroded.

The lower route is recommended as it is easier, nearly an hour shorter, and passes the last water point at 4130m. Be sure to fill your water bottles with enough water for the rest of the journey, as there are no water sources until your return to Horombo, unless you buy mineral water at Kibo Hut.

Kibo Hut, located in the barren Alpine desert, is a stone-built structure with bunk beds for 60 climbers but no nearby water source. Mineral water and soft drinks can be purchased at the camp office, and platform toilets are located behind the hut.

The summit is 1195m higher, and you will make your final ascent that same night. Prepare your equipment, thermal clothing, and ski-stick for the summit bid. Replace your headlamp and camera batteries, ensuring you have spare ones, and carry water in a thermal flask to prevent freezing.

DAY - 6

Kibo hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3705m)

You will rise around 23:20, and after some tea and biscuits, you will begin your ascent into the night. This section of the climb is the most challenging. The first part consists of a rocky path leading to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), which provides a good resting spot. The trail then zigzags steeply up to Gillman’s Point (5681m) on the crater rim. This section is extremely steep, covered in stone scree, and requires significant physical and mental strength. It’s the toughest part of the entire route, so take it slow and do the “Kili shuffle.”

From Gillman’s Point, you’ll encounter snow all the way to Uhuru Peak (5895m), Africa’s highest point. Weather conditions will dictate how long you can spend at the summit for photos before beginning the 3-hour descent back to Kibo Hut. After a brief rest at Kibo, you’ll gather your gear and head down to Horombo Hut (approximately 3 hours) for an overnight stay. The descent to Horombo will feel surprisingly fast compared to the ascent.

Expect to spend about 14 hours hiking this day, so be prepared for a strenuous challenge. In the evening, you’ll enjoy your final dinner on the mountain before resting and recharging for the following day.

DAY - 7

Horombo hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m) Hiking time: 6 hours Distance: 19.7 km

After breakfast, you begin your descent, taking about 6 hours to pass Mandara Hut and continue down to Marangu Gate. At the gate, climbers are awarded their summit certificates. Those who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) receive green certificates, while those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) earn gold certificates. You will then drive back to Moshi or Arusha, where you can enjoy a well-deserved hot shower, a celebratory dinner, and time to reflect on your incredible achievement.