Most visitors use this trail. The climb via this route can be
done in 5 or 6 days. Overnight is in huts along the way, which
have two rooms for 4 people each.
Day 1
Marangu gate to Mandara Hut : 1980m - 2700m (11 kms)
From Marangu gate (1980m) the trek is wide and clear, passing
throught forest. Te forest path is not as wide as the main
path, because fewer people use it. The left path is a slightly
longer alternative route designed to give you more opportunity
to observe the wildlife and enjoy the forest. You'll walk
11 kms to Mandara Hut (2700m). Sidetrack Maundi Crater -
2 hours return. Visit Maundi Crater, a small mound rising out
to the north. Also you can view the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi,
it provides plenty of inspiration for the trek to come.
Day 2
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut : 2700m - 3700m (11 kms, 5-6 hrs)
You trek up to Horombo passing through the forest and moorland.
The path, allthough undulating and steep in places, is easy
to follow all the way up to Horombo Hut for dinner and
overnight.
Day 3
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut : 3700m - 4700m (10 kms, 4-5 hrs)
The trek to the western path, and continue gradually gaining
height, past the last water point, which is the highest
running water on this route. The porters will fill up
containers here. Continue across the Saddle - the flat plain
between Kibo and Mawenzi - until you join the eastern path at
a point called Jiwe la Ukoyo (meaning pointed rocks)
at 4394m. Then trek to Kibo Hut which takes 1.5 hours. The
eastern path is steep and rough, passing through Zebra Rock
and a last water point. Also it is not crowded.
Day 4
Kibo Hut to Gillman's Point : 4700m - 5680m (5-6 hrs)
Continue to Uhuru Peak (2.5 hrs)
Descend to Horombo Hut (14 kms, 5-6 hrs)
Today you start very early in the morning, to see the sunrise
from the crater rim, and to give you more chance of avoiding
the mist. Also the snow scree slope up to Gillman's Point and
the snow on the path to Uhuru Peak will still be frozen,
which will make walking safer and less strenous. Gillman's
Point to Uhuru Peak (5896m) will take 2.5 hours. Descend the
same route to Horombo Hut.
Day 5
Horombo Hut - Marangu gate (18 kms, 5-6 hrs)
You retrace the route following the early marked path down to
Marangu gate.
Note :
If you want acclimatize, you can add one more day and stay
at Horombo hut for 2 nights. A good rest-day walk is up to
the Saddle by the eastern path, where you can explore the
area around the slopes of Mawenzi.
Practical Information
Contact us for more info.
