Day 01:

MARANGU TO MANDARA HUT 7KM, 4-5HRS, 700M ASCENT

From Marangu gate (1980m) the track passes through the lush rainforest, giving the trekkers an opportunity to observe Colobus monkeys and birdlife before they ascend out from beneath the cool canopy. The first destination is Mandara Hut (2700m/9000ft), a group of bunkhouses, with bed capacity of 80 people, toilets and a clean water supply. From here we can visit the nearby Maundi Crater, or stroll to a clearing that offers a view over the forest up to the main peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi, providing plenty of inspiration for the trek to come. Meals and Overnight will be served at Mandara Hut.

Day 02:
MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT 11KM, 5-7HRS, 1000M ASCENT
From Mandara Hut there are two paths running roughly parallel out of the forest, then through a narrow band of heather, before meeting near the start of the moorland and to the right are the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Although undulating and steep in places, the trail is easy to follow all the way up to Horombo Hut (3700m/12000ft). Meals and Overnight will be served at Horombo Hut.

Day 03:
HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT 10KM, 5-7HRS, 1000M ASCENT
From here we continue gradually gaining altitude, passing the last point of running water, and crossing the flat plain between Kibo and Mawenzi. From Jiwe La Ukoyo (meaning "pointed Rocks") at 4394m, it is another one and half hours to Kibo Hut, at 4700m. Meals and Overnight will be served at Kibo Hut.

Day 04: SUMMIT DAY
KIBO HUT TO UHURU PEAK PLUS DESCENT TO HOROMBO HUT
4KM 7-81/2HRS, 1200M ASCENT; PLUS14KM, 41/2-7HRS, 2200M DESCENT
The final ascent is started very early in the morning, just after midnight, so that sunrise can be enjoyed from the crater rim, and give we have a chance of avoiding the mist. Also, the scree slope up to Gillman's Point, and the snow on the path to Uhuru Peak, will still be frozen, which will make the walking safer and less strenuous. As the sun rises at around 6am, we will allow ourselves 5 to 6 hrs from Kibo Hut to Gillman's Point (5680m), plus another 2hrs to reach Uhuru Peak (5896m). From Uhuru or Gillman's Point we descend on the same route, continuing past Kibo Hut for 1hrs-3hrs to Horombo Hut. Meals and Overnight will be served at Horombo Hut.

Day 05:
HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE 18KM, 5-7HRS, 1900M DESCENT
Our last day is spent retracing our steps to the park gate. Discretional tipping of your guide, cook, and porters is customary at this time. After you reach the gate, you will go to the park office to sign out and receive your summit certificates. A car will be waiting to take you to your hotel.