Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania

   You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.

2. Day 2: Rongai Gate to First Cave Camp

   After an early breakfast in Moshi, drive to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registering at the gate, begin your climb to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. During the first day, hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first campsite. Rongai ascends via the less forested northern side of the mountain. Rongai Route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro because of the long drive to the gate. The Rongai trail is thought to have the best chance of viewing wildlife.

3. Day 3: First Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

   Elevation Gain: 1,000 meters, 3,280 feet
   During day two hike through Kilimanjaro’s moorland. The Rongai route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter hiking times. During this day, view Mawenzi Peak ahead.  

4. Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

   Elevation Gain: 730 meters, 2,390 feet
   This day is an acclimatization day, allowing you to hike in the beginning of the day and rest in the afternoon and evening. The hike is relatively short but steep. The Mawenzi Tarn campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.

5. Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp

   Day four is an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn. We advise hiking a bit higher this day before returning to Mawenzi Tarn in the afternoon.

6. Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp

   Elevation Gain: 420 meters/1380 feet
   Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle on this day to arrive at the final campsite. Kibo Camp is situated directly below the Kibo cone, giving you views of your final destination.

7. Day 7: Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

   Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters, 3,760 feet
   Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters, 7,140 feet
   Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point. The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.

8. Day 8: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

   Elevation Loss: 1,920 meters, 6,295 feet
   After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi/Arusha. You will be able to buy t-shirts and sodas at the gate.

9. Day 9: Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport

   Our driver will take you to the airport from where you will take your return flight home. If you have decided on a safari, then start your second adventure, which we also like to take care of.