• After an early breakfast in Moshi, drive to Marangu Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park gate for necessary registration formalities, then transfer to Rongai (Nalemoru) Gate (1,800 m/5,900 ft) near the Kenya border.

• Begin your climb on this unspoilt wilderness route with the Kilimanjaro mountain guide. 

• Start to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out, and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2600 m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

• First day is only a half-day walk.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

• Morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave, (3,450 m), with incredible views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

• After the hot lunch, have free time to rest at the camp or in the afternoon, explore the surrounding area for an acclimatisation walk to Third Cave.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

• Gradually, rise through beautiful open moorland towards jagged pinnacles of Mawenzi to Kikelewa Camp (3679 m).

• Reach in the late afternoon at Kikelewa Caves for dinner and overnight at the camp.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

• Embark on a short but steep ascent to Mawenzi Tarn (4330 m). Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn.

• Spend the free afternoon to help your acclimatisation.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

• Cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Hut (4700 m), at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall by early afternoon. There is no running water at Kibo Hut.

• Spend the remainder of the day relaxing in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

• Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. Begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags, and a slow but steady pace will take us to the rim of the main crater, Gillman’s 5,685 m.

• Rest there for a few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

• After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment, descend to Kiko Hut, which is amazingly fast.

• Stop at Kibo Hut for some refreshment.

• Continue to descend to reach Horrombo Hut.

Hiking Time: 13-15 hours

• Descend past Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate, and successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. 
• From here, transfer to Moshi in your hotel for dinner and overnight or an alternative transfer to JRO for departure.

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours