Itinerary

1. Day 1: Rongai Start Point (1996m) to Simba camp (2626m)

   • Depart from Moshi town and drive 45 minutes to the Marangu park gate for registration.

   • From Marangu park gate, travel to Naro Moru, north-east Kilimanjaro, a further 68km and approximately 2 ½ hours on bad roads to the Rongai start point (1996m). 

   • Meet guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering the pine forest and then climbs gently through a forest. 

   • Trail is not at all steep but is rather a gentle hike through the beautiful countryside. The first night’s camp is at Simba Camp (2 626m), with facilities including a public toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut.

   Hiking time: 4 hours
   Distance: Approximately 6.7 km
   Habitat: Forest (Montane)

2. Day 2: Simba camp (2626m) to Kikelewa Camp (3679m)

   • Hike from Simba camp towards Kibo till 3482m. Have lunch at First Caves. (5.8km)

   • After lunch, continue trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3679 metres. The views start to open up, and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain. Water can be found in an obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill to find a pool or two.

   • Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelewa camp.

   Hiking time: 6–7 hours
   Distance: Approximately 11.8 km
   Habitat: Moorlands

3. Day 3: Kikelewa Cave (3679m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4303m)

   • Short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers incredible views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi tarn, spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. 

   • Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.

   Hiking time: 3 hours
   Distance: Approximately 3.7 km
   Habitat: Moorlands

4. Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4303m) to Kibo Hut (4730m)

   • After breakfast, head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo, crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut.

   • The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. 

   Overnight at Kibo Hut.

   Hiking time: 5 hours
   Distance: Approximately 9 km
   Habitat: Alpine desert

5. Day 5: Kibo hut (4730m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3705m)

   • Rise around 11:30 pm, and after some tea and biscuits, you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot.

   • The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. 

   • Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly.

   • From Gillman's Point, you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.

   Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo
   Distance: Approximately 5.4km ascent and 15 km descent

   Habitat: Stone scree/ice-cap summit

6. Day 6: Horombo Hut (3705m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

   • After breakfast, continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. 

   • At Marangu Gate, sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates.

   • Those who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates, and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates.

   • Drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner; sleep in a decent bed, and celebrate.

   Hiking time: 6 hours
   Distance: Approximately 19.7 km
   Habitat: Moorland & Montane Forest

7. Day 7: Day Trip

   • Pick one of the following national parks to visit on this day:
     • Lake Manyara National Park.
     • Arusha National Park.
     • Tarangire National Park.