Itinerary

1. Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

   • Meet the tour guide and drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.

   Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
   Distance: 8 km/5 miles
   Hiking time: 3-4 hours
   Habitat: Rainforest

2. Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave to Kikelelwa Camp

   • Begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. 
   • Continue trekking through the moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi before finally arriving at Kikelelwa Cave for the night.

   Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
   Distance: 12 km/8miles
   Hiking time: 8-9 hours
   Habitat: Heath

3. Day 3: Kikelelwa Cave to Mawenzi Turn

   • Take the hike today, which is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. The landscape changes dramatically as we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. 
   • Spend the remaining day relaxing or exploring the area.

   Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
   Distance: 5 km/3 miles
   Hiking time: 3-4 hours
   Habitat: Alpine Desert

4. Day 4: Mawenzi Turn to Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Turn

   • Spend the extra day meant for acclimatization or hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area, we head back to Mawenzi Turn for camp.

   Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft -14,400 ft
   Distance: 2 km/1 mile
   Hiking time: 2 hours
   Habitat: Alpine Desert

5. Day 5: Mawenzi Turn to Kibo Hut

   • Climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. 
   • Rest, enjoy and have an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

   Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
   Distance: 8 km/5 miles
   Hiking time: 5-6 hours
   Habitat: Alpine Desert

6. Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

   • Begin our push to the summit early in the morning (midnight). This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. 
   • Ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. 
   • Arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
   • Spend a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, and then we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

   Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
   Distance: 19 km
   Hiking time: 9 -10 hours
   Habitat: Arctic

7. Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

   • Go for a long trek, mostly downhill, through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

   Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
   Distance: 20 km/12 miles
   Hiking time: 5-7 hours

   Habitat: Rainforest