Drive to Marangu Gate (1,860m) and start trekking through rainforest. Overnight at Mandara Hut (2,700m).
Climb steadily through moorland to Horombo Hut (3,720m). Optional acclimatization hikes around the area to prepare for higher altitudes.
Spend an extra day at Horombo Hut to rest and acclimatize. Short hikes to nearby points improve summit success and reduce altitude sickness risk.
Hike from Horombo to Kibo Hut (4,700m) for final preparations. Early dinner and rest before midnight summit climb.
Begin summit climb around midnight. Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m), enjoy sunrise, then descend via Kibo, Horombo, and Mandara Huts to Marangu Gate. Transfer back to Moshi for celebration.
The 5-Day Marangu Express Trek offers a more manageable pace for fit climbers, allowing one extra day to acclimatize while still aiming for a summit in record time.