Itinerary

1. Day 1: Nale Moru Gate to Simba Campsite

   • Drive to Nale Moru, the starting point of the Rongai route.

   • Hike through farmland and pine forest, with chances to see Colobus monkeys, elephants, and buffalos.

   • Reach Simba Campsite, located on the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.

   • Elevation: 1990m to 2625m

   • Distance: 8 km

   • Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours

   • Habitat: Rain Forest

2. Day 2: Simba Campsite to Kikelewa Campsite

   • Ascend steadily towards the Second Cave Camp, located in the moorland zone.

   • Enjoy spectacular views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields along the crater rim.

   • Continue hiking through the moorland, enjoying views of the Mawenzi spiked peaks.

   • Set up camp in the secluded valley near Kikelewa Caves at 3630m.

   • Elevation: 2526m to 3630m

   • Distance: 10 km

   • Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours

   • Habitat: Moorland

3. Day 3: Kikelewa Campsite to Mawenzi Turn Hut

   • Hike up the steep grassy slopes, reaching rewarding views of the Kenyan plains.

   • Arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Hut, located directly below the high cliffs of Mawenzi.

   • Explore the surrounding areas to aid acclimatization.

   • Elevation: 3630m to 4310m

   • Distance: 8 km

   • Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours

   • Habitat: Moorland

4. Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut

   • Cross the lunar desert of the "saddle" that separates Mawenzi and Kibo.

   • Reach the high camp, with the summit of Kilimanjaro visible in the background.

   • Rest at Kibo Hut in preparation for the final ascent.

   • Elevation: 4310m to 4700m

   • Distance: 8 km

   • Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours

   • Habitat: Alpine Desert

5. Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

   • Wake up around 11:30 P.M., prepare for the summit hike.

   • Begin the ascent at around 12:30 A.M. through heavy scree towards Gilman’s Point.

   • Reach Gilman’s Point and enjoy a hot drink while viewing the sunrise.

   • Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

   • Spend a short time at the summit, taking photographs before descending back to Kibo Hut for lunch.

   • Continue down to Horombo Hut for dinner and rest.

   • Elevation: 4700m to 5895m to 3720m

   • Distance: 20 km

   • Hiking Time: 13 – 14 hours

   • Habitat: Arctic

6. Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

   • Descend to Marangu Gate after breakfast and a final celebration with the porters.

   • Enjoy a hot lunch at the gate before being transferred back to accommodation in Moshi.

   • Elevation: 3720m to 1800m

   • Distance: 10 km

   • Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours

   • Habitat: Semi-Desert