Preparation
Complete Guide to Preparing for Kilimanjaro
Everything you need to know about physical training, mental preparation, and gear selection for your Kilimanjaro climb.
Read More8-Day Detailed Itinerary
Follow our carefully planned day-by-day itinerary designed for optimal acclimatization and summit success. Each day includes elevation details, hiking times, and essential preparation tips.
1
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Airport transfer • Hotel accommodation • Pre-climb briefing
Welcome to Tanzania! Our experienced guide will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer you to your comfortable hotel. Take time to relax and recover from your journey.
Pre-climb Preparation: Meet your climbing guide for a comprehensive briefing. Receive expert advice on what to wear, pack, and important tips to make your climb as comfortable and successful as possible. Equipment check and final preparations.
2
Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts
First day of climbing • 7 hours hiking • Rainforest zone
Starting Point
1,860m / 6,102ft
Ending Point
2,720m / 8,923ft
Hiking Time
7 Hours
Distance
8.3km
Begin your adventure at Marangu Gate after registration and permits. The trail leads through coffee and banana plantations before entering pristine rainforest. Watch for colobus monkeys and exotic birds.
Optional Activity: Visit Maundi Crater near Mandara Huts for spectacular views, or simply rest and enjoy the beautiful mountain surroundings.
3
Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts
Moorland zone • Changing landscapes • Acclimatization hike
Starting Point
2,720m / 8,923ft
Ending Point
3,720m / 12,204ft
Hiking Time
6 Hours
Distance
12.2km
Experience dramatic landscape changes from cloud forest to grasslands with heather and alpine vegetation. As you gain altitude, the air becomes thinner and the landscape more lunar-like.
Acclimatization Hike: After lunch, take an optional 200-meter ascent hike to help your body adjust to the altitude, then return to Horombo Huts for dinner.
4
Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts
Alpine desert • Between Kibo & Mawenzi peaks • Pre-summit preparation
Starting Point
3,720m / 12,204ft
Ending Point
4,720m / 15,485ft
Hiking Time
6 Hours
Distance
10.9km
Trek through alpine desert terrain with stunning views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. This challenging day takes you through open landscapes with little shelter from the elements.
Summit Preparation: Arrive at Kibo Camp for lunch and rest. Use the afternoon to prepare mentally and physically for tomorrow's summit attempt.
5
Summit Day: Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts
Summit attempt • 12+ hours • The ultimate challenge
Starting Point
4,720m / 15,485ft
Summit
5,895m / 19,340ft
Ending Point
3,720m / 12,204ft
Total Time
12+ Hours
Midnight Start: Begin your summit attempt in darkness with headlamps. The most challenging section is reaching Gilman's Point (5,681m) on the crater rim. From there, continue to Uhuru Peak - the highest point in Africa!
Summit Success: Experience an incredible sunrise from the Roof of Africa. After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, begin the long descent back to Horombo Huts via Kibo Camp.
6
Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate
Final descent • Forest trails • Certificate ceremony
Starting Point
3,720m / 12,204ft
Ending Point
1,860m / 6,102ft
Hiking Time
5-6 Hours
Distance
20.5km
Your final day on the mountain is a beautiful descent through Kilimanjaro's lush forests. Enjoy the return of oxygen-rich air and celebrate your incredible achievement.
Certificate Ceremony: At Marangu Gate, receive your official Kilimanjaro climbing certificate. Summit certificates for those who reached Uhuru Peak, and attempt certificates for those who reached Gilman's Point.
7-8
Departure
Rest day • Airport transfer • Flight home
Enjoy your final day in Tanzania with time to rest, shop for souvenirs, or explore Moshi town. Our driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.
Extend Your Adventure: Consider adding a safari or Zanzibar beach extension to complete your Tanzania experience!