Itinerary

1. Day 1- NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP: 7km /5mi | 3-4 hrs | Rainforest

   Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
   Altitude gained: 638m

   • Departing from Moshi a 4-5 hour drive will take you through the coffee plantations and Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. 
   • We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. 
   • Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife you are likely to see. 
   • Simba camp sits near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone with spectacular views of the plains of Kenya.

2. Day 2- SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP: 5.8km/3.6mi | 5-6hrs | Moorland

   Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft
   Altitude gained: 852m

   • After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we continue along the moorland terrain on a consistent ascending path. 
   • You will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. 
   • The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.

3. Day 3- SECOND CAVE CAMP – THIRD CAVE CAMP: 3.3km/2mi | 3-4hrs | Semi Desert

   Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3936m/12,913ft
   Altitude gained: 449m

   • After breakfast and packing, you continue your stead ascent, entering into the semi-desert terrain. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Easter ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. 
   • Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness.

4. Day 4- THIRD CAVE CAMP- KIBO HUTS: 6.7km/4.2mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert

   Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 5174m/16975ft
   Altitude gained: 1238m

   • As you depart early the semi-desert zone from the Third Cave early in the morning and begin your trek into the Alpine Desert terrain for the remainder of your ascent. 
   • Today’s hike will take you just below the Kibo crater wall to the Kibo Huts. 
   • At this point, you will merge with the Marangu Route, which you will use to hike to the summit. 
   • You will prepare your clothing and equipment (replace batteries for headlamp and camera) before you go to bed by 7 PM and try to catch a few hours of rest before your summit attempt.

5. Day 5- DAY 5: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4km /2.5 mi up | 5-7hrs | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75km /9.8mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit

   Elevation: 5174m/16975ft to 5895m/19,341ft
   Altitude gained: 721m
   Descent to 3721m/12,208ft
   Altitude lost: 2174m

   • Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
   • We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused of the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. 
   • With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
   • You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. 
   • From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
   • Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
   • After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Horombo Hut, stopping at Kibo Hut  for lunch and a very brief rest. 
   • We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. 
   • Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Horombo Hut.

6. DAY 6: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 20km/12.5mi |6-7hrs | Rainforest

   Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft
   Altitude lost: 1816m

   • After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew it’s time to say goodbye. 
   • We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. 
   • You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. 
   • As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
   • From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). 
   • Enjoy a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!