Day 1: Rongai Gate (1,950m/6,398ft) to Simba Camp (2,625m/8,625ft)

• Altitude Gain: 675m/2,227ft
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Overview: The journey begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Rongai Gate. After registration, you start hiking through cultivated fields and pine forest, gradually ascending to the first camp, Simba Camp, located on the edge of the moorland zone.

Day 2: Simba Camp (2,625m/8,625ft) to Second Cave Camp (3,450m/11,319ft)

• Altitude Gain: 825m/2,694ft
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Overview: Today’s hike takes you through moorland with views of the expansive Kenyan plains. The trail is relatively gentle, ascending gradually to Second Cave Camp, nestled beneath the jagged peaks of Kibo.

Day 3: Second Cave Camp (3,450m/11,319ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,811ft)

• Altitude Gain: 150m/492ft
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Overview: A shorter day of hiking leads you through the alpine desert zone. The terrain becomes more sparse as you trek towards Kikelewa Camp, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and Mawenzi Peak.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,811ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,206ft)

• Altitude Gain: 730m/2,395ft
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Overview: As you ascend further, you’ll notice the landscape transitioning to rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. The route takes you past the distinctive Mawenzi Peak to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, situated by a small glacial lake beneath the towering cliffs of Mawenzi.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,206ft) to Kibo Hut (4,700m/15,420ft)

• Altitude Gain: 370m/1,214ft
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Overview: Today’s hike involves crossing the lunar-like landscape of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. You’ll reach Kibo Hut, the basecamp for summit night, where you’ll rest and prepare for the final ascent.

Day 6: Kibo Hut (4,700m/15,420ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) and descend to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,205ft)

• Altitude Gain: 1,195m/3,921ft (Summit), Altitude Loss: 2,175m/7,136ft
• Duration: 6-8 hours to summit, 6-8 hours descent
• Overview: The most challenging day begins in the early hours of the morning for the summit attempt. You’ll hike under the starlit sky, reaching Gilman’s Point before dawn. From there, the trail becomes steeper as you continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut for the night.

Day 7: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,205ft) to Marangu Gate (1,980m/6,496ft)

• Altitude Loss: 1,740m/5,709ft
• Duration: 5-7 hours
• Overview: The final day of the trek involves a descent through the lush rainforest, passing through Mandara Hut and eventually reaching the park gate at Marangu. Here, you’ll receive your summit certificates before bidding farewell to your guides and crew.