Start your journey at Marangu Gate, located at 1,870 meters. The trek begins with a scenic walk through the lush rainforest, where you'll be surrounded by towering trees, vibrant plants, and the sounds of wildlife. The trail is well-defined and gradually ascends as you make your way to Mandara Hut at 2,700 meters. This first day offers a gentle introduction to the climb, giving you a chance to adjust to the altitude and enjoy the beauty of the forest. Upon arrival at Mandara Hut, you'll have time to rest and explore the nearby Maundi Crater for stunning views of the surroundings.

Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail takes you into the moorland zone, a landscape characterized by rolling grasslands and unique flora like giant lobelias and groundsels. The path ascends steadily, offering panoramic views of the mountain and distant valleys. The air becomes cooler as you gain elevation, and the scenery shifts to a more open, rugged terrain. After a trek of 5-7 hours, you'll reach Horombo Hut at 3,720 meters. Here, you'll spend the night, allowing your body to acclimatize to the higher altitude.

This day is dedicated to acclimatization, crucial for a successful summit. You can choose to rest at Horombo Hut or take a short hike to Zebra Rocks, a striking rock formation with distinctive black-and-white stripes. This optional trek helps your body adjust to the altitude while providing beautiful views of the landscape. Returning to Horombo Hut, you'll have the rest of the day to relax, prepare for the days ahead, and enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow climbers.

Today's trek leads you through the alpine desert, a stark and barren landscape that contrasts sharply with the lush zones below. The trail becomes more challenging as you approach Kibo Hut at 4,703 meters, your base for the final ascent. The terrain here is rocky and rugged, with little vegetation, but the views of the surrounding peaks and valleys are awe-inspiring. As you settle in at Kibo Hut, the anticipation for the summit builds. You'll have an early dinner and rest, as the next day begins in the pre-dawn hours.

Summit day is the most demanding yet rewarding part of the climb. You'll start before dawn, making your way up a steep, rocky path to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. From there, the trail continues along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. As the sun rises, you'll witness breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and the vast landscape below. After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, you'll begin the descent back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut, where you'll spend the night.

The final day of your trek involves a long descent from Horombo Hut back through the moorland and rainforest zones to Marangu Gate. The journey down is much quicker, giving you time to reflect on the incredible experience you've just had. Upon reaching the gate, you'll receive your summit certificate, a proud reminder of your achievement. After a celebratory moment, you'll be transferred back to Moshi, where you can relax and celebrate completing the Marangu Route.