Itinerary

1. Day 1: Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave

   • After stopping at the Marangu Gate for permits, proceed to the wooden village of Nale Moru, where the trailhead begins. 

   • Trail 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. 

   • Camp at Rongai Cave.

   Elevation (ft): 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft

   Distance: 7 km

   Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

   Habitat: Rain Forest

2. Day 2: Rongai Cave to 2nd Cave to Kikelewa Cave

   • After breakfast, begin the morning hike with a steady incline and reach the 2nd Cave while en-route to Kikelewa Cave. Views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim begin to emerge.

   Elevation (ft): 9,300 ft to 11,811 ft

   Distance: 12 km

   Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

   Habitat: Health

3. Day 3: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

   • Hike today is short and steep, up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. 

   • As you exit the heath zone and emerge into the alpine desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi. 

   • Spend the remainder of the day relaxing or exploring the area.

   Elevation (ft): 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft

   Distance: 5 km

   Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

   Habitat: Alpine Desert

4. Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn

   • This is an acclimatisation day. 

   • Hike steadily up a ridge with fantastic views on both sides; the landscape is rugged and rocky. 

   • After spending a few moments exploring Mawenzi Ridge, head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp. 

   • Extra days on the trail give our bodies the opportunity to acclimatise and assist with summit day. 

   Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to14,400 ft to 14,160 ft

   Distance: 4 km

   Hiking Time: 2-4 hours

   Habitat: Alpine Desert

5. Day 5: Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

   • Trail climbs gradually across the rocky lunar landscape as you traverse the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. 

   • Campsite for the night sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. 

   • Spend the remainder of the day resting and preparing for the final ascent in the early morning. 

   Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft

   Distance: 8 km

   Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

   Habitat: Alpine Desert

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

   • Wake up in the middle of the night and begin the final push to reach the Roof of Africa.

   • Trail to Gilman’s Point is very steep, and the ascent will be slow and steady.

   • From Gilman's, it is a traverse along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak.

   • Stay at the summit for a short time.

   Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,205 ft

   Distance: 22 km

   Hiking Time: 10-13 hours

   Habitat: Arctic

7. Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

   • Long trek is in store for today; however, it is mostly downhill. 

   • Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate, pick up your certificate that proves your achievement and catch our vehicle to transfer to the hotel in Moshi for a hot shower.

   Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft

   Distance: 20 km

   Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

   Habitat: Rain Forest