Itinerary

1. Day 1: Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave

   • Drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits.

   • Take a short ride to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest, home to various wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey. 

   Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft 

   Distance: 8 km/5 miles 

   Hiking Time: 3-4 hours 

   Habitat: Rain Forest.
   

2. Day 2: Rongai Cave to Second Cave

   • Start with a steady incline up to the Second Cave.

   • Continue trekking through the moorland and leave the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi.

   • Arrive at Kikelewa Cave in the night.

   Elevation: 9,300 ft to11,300 ft 

   Distance: 6 km/4 miles 

   Hiking Time: 3-4 hours 

   Habitat: Heath Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
   Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft

   Distance: 6 km/4 miles hiking 

   Time: 3-4 hours 

   Habitat: Heath

3. Day 3: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

   • Take a short but steep hike to a grassy slope with your Kilimanjaro guide.

   • On reaching the top, take in the stunning views of the wilderness.

   • Exit from the heath zone and emerge in the Alpine desert zone, where the landscape changes dramatically. 

   • Reach your camp beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi at Mawenzi Tarn. 

   • Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the area.

   Elevation: 11,811 ft to14,160 ft 

   Distance: 5 km/3 miles 

   Hiking Time: 3-4 hours 

   Habitat: Alpine Desert

4. Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge

   • This is an extra day meant for acclimatization or hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. 

   • After a few moments exploring the area, head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.

   Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft-14,400 ft 

   Distance: 2 km/1 mile 

   Hiking Time: 1-2 hours 

   Habitat: Alpine Desert Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn 

5. Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

   • Climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. 

   • Reach your camp at Kibo Hut, which sits at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall. 

   • Upon arrival, take some rest & enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

   Elevation (ft): 14,160 feet to 15,430 ft 

   Distance: 8 km/5 miles 

   Hiking Time: 5-6 hours 

   Habitat: Alpine Desert

6. Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

   • Start your day early (around midnight) and begin your push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. 

   • Ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks.

   • At Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak. 

   • Finally, arrive at Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

   • After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishments, descend to Horombo Hut. 

   • Later in the evening, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

   Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft 

   Distance: 6 km/4 miles 

   Hiking Time: 6-8 hours 

   Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
   Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft

   Distance: 16km/10 miles 

   Hiking Time: 4-5 hours 

   Habitat: Heath

7. Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

   • On your last day, have a long trek, mostly downhill, through the tropical rainforest. 

   • Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, collect your summit certificates. 

   • Meet a vehicle to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.

   Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft 

   Distance: 20 km/12 miles 

   Hiking Time: 5-7 hours 

   Habitat: Rain Forest