Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi

   You will be picked up from the airport, and from there, you will go to the hotel for orientation on your hike. Your guides will provide relevant information for your specific route and perform a comprehensive inspection of your gear.

2. Day 2: Rongai Gate/Nalemoru to Simba Camp (First Cave Camp)

   We will drive you from your hotel to the Marangu Gate (1.8 km) in the morning. Upon arrival, park registration will be completed, and then we will proceed to the Nalemoru gate (Under 2km). On the way, you will encounter the local people. An appetising hot lunch will be served at the gate, and introductions between you and your crew members will occur. We will embark on the 9-day Rongai Route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Fallen leaves from the forest will crackle beneath your feet as you marvel at the immensity of the emerald canopy. The knotted ember arms of the tree rise towards the sky, assisting the blue monkeys with their trapeze performance. We will arrive at the Simba Campsite, where we will spend the night (2650m).

   Walking Time: 3-4hrs 

   Distance: 6.5km 

   Altitude Gain: 700m

3. Day 3: Simba Camp To Second Caves Camp

   After a delicious breakfast, we will continue moving toward the looming peak of Kibo to the Second Cave. The arid plains are scattered with hoary desert plants, and whimsical plantations and celestially enormous trees dominate the heather. Hot lunch will be provided at the Second Caves Camp (3150m / 3-4 hours). 

   There is a possibility of small excursions towards the Third Cave – this will aid the acclimatisation process; relaxing is also an option. The excursions will increase your chances of witnessing marvellous sights, including the distinct crown of Mawenzi’s serrated, dark peak sprinkled with snow. Encountering wildlife such as buffaloes or jackals is the spectacular figure of Kibo Peak (the summit peak), best observed at this angle. Your tents will be assembled at the Second Cave.

   Walking Time: 3-4hrs 

   Distance: 4km 

   Altitude Gain: 500m

4. Day 4: Second Caves Camp To Kikuletwa Caves

   The trek advances towards Kibo and will begin after breakfast is served. We will venture through an exposed moorland and heather foliage area to reach the Kikuletwa Caves Camp. Your chances of viewing Kibo are high. You may as well spot the great buffalo with winding horns and more jackals. A hot lunch will be served at the campsite.

   Walking Time: 3-4hrs 

   Distance: 5km 

   Altitude Gain: 450m

5. Day 5: Kikuletwa Caves To Mawenzi Tarn

   After breakfast, we will travel to the Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m). Our trek proceeds through a low desert area. The comforting aromas of your delicious hot lunch will drift through the entrance of the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. (6000m / 3-4 hour trek). Brief excursions for acclimatisation may occur, but the remaining hours of the afternoon will be spent lounging, napping and dancing with your crew and other people you met on the same journey around the campsite.

   Walking Time: 3-4hrs 

   Distance: 6km 

   Altitude Gain: 370m

6. Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn To Kibo Hut

   The route gradually develops into a steeper, rockier trail as we go further from the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. Travelling along the meek landscape of the ashen ‘Saddle’, a lava stone ridge amid Mawenzi and Kibo, provides nice views of the peak of Kilimanjaro. An appetising, warm meal will be served when we arrive at the Kibo Hut (4703m). You will have a relaxing evening and an early bedtime to ensure you are well-rested for the midnight trek to the summit.

   Walking Time: 4-5hrs 

   Distance: 9km 

   Altitude Gain: 370m

7. Day 7: Kibo Hut To Uhuru Peak To Horombo Hut

   We will depart from the huts shortly after midnight and undertake the most demanding day of the entire trek. Until we reach the beautiful Hans Meyer Cave, the trail ensues an extended screed incline. At this stage, it adapts into a single-file zigzag. A rocky path with wildflowers bursting from the earth with their azure gongs attached will lead us to Gillman’s Point (5685m). This is the most challenging section of the route. Gillman’s Point signifies the last two hours of the hike to Uhuru Peak are upon us (5895m). We will marvel at the view and celebrate what you have accomplished before starting the descent to Kibo Hut, where we will take a break. Horombo Hut is our final destination for the day, and you can enjoy a well-deserved slumber.

   Walking Time: 6-8hrs ascent, 5-6hrs descent 

   Distance: 5km ascent, 15km descent 

   Altitude Gain: 1195m 

   Altitude Loss: 2195m

8. Day 8: Horombo Hut To Marangu Gate To Moshi

   After an appetizing breakfast, we will circle past the Mandara Hut and through the magnificent rainforest before reaching the Marangu Gate. You will receive your summit certificates for completing the 9-day Rongai Route, and short festivities with your porters will occur. You will be transported to your hotel, where a steaming shower and comfy bedding await.

   Walking Time: 5-6hrs 

   Distance: 20km 

   Altitude Loss: 1900m

9. Day 9: Moshi To Kilimanjaro Airport

   A driver will bring you to Kilimanjaro Airport, where it is time to say goodbye to Tanzania and its friendly people.