Itinerary

1. ARRIVE IN TANZANIA.

   • Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport and take our private transfer to Marangu at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort.

   • Gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. Also, confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.

   Dinner and overnight at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort: Bed, Dinner and Breakfast included.

2. RONGAI SIMBA CAMP (FULL BOARD).

   • Take a ride to Marangu to complete the necessary registration formalities, before transferring by SUV to Rongai. The climb begins from the Nale Moru (6,400 ft) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering a pine forest. 

   • Then, start to climb consistently, but gently through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing whitetail. The forest begins to thin out at the edge of the moorland zone. 

   • Then, take in the expansive views over the Kenyan plains as we arrive at our first campsite at Rongai One Camp (8,500 ft). [3-4 hours walking]

3. RONGAI SECOND CAVE (FULL BOARD).

   • The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (11,300 ft) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields on the crater rim. 

   • After lunch, leave the main trail and strike out and head southeast across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi with your Kilimanjaro tour guide. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves (11,800 ft). [6-7 hours walking]

4. RONGAI KIKELELWA CAVE (FULL BOARD).

   • A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (14,200 ft), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. [3-4 hours walking]

5. MAWENZI TURN (FULL BOARD).

   • Get an additional day to acclimatize. Explore the area with a walk up onto the Saddle towards Camel’s Back. Return to the camp at Mawenzi Tarn (14,200 ft). [2-3 hours walking]

6. MAWENZI TURN TO KIBO HUT (FULL BOARD).

   • Cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) at the bottom of the crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for an early morning final ascent. [5-6 hours walking]

7. KIBO HUT TO SUMMIT TO HORROMBO HUT (FULL BOARD).

   • Start the final and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. Plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (18,600 ft). Rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshments, continue the descent to Horombo Huts (12,200 ft). [11-15 hours walking]

8. HORROMBO HUT (FULL BOARD).

   • Take a steady descent down through moorland to Mandara Huts (8,900 ft).

   • Then, continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Marangu (6,000 ft), where you are transferred back to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort in Marangu. [5-6 hours walking]

   Dinner and overnight at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort: Bed, Dinner and Breakfast included.

9. DEPARTING DAY.

   • After saying bye to your team of guides, you need a private departure transfer, which is included from Marangu to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight unless you have an option to have a short safari or anything else.