Itinerary

1. Day 1: Rongai Gate (1950m) to 1st Caves Camp (2600m)

   • After an early breakfast at your hotel, get picked up from Moshi (900m) and drive to the Marangu Gate (1980m).

   • At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your Kilimanjaro tour guide register with the Tanzania National Park.

   • Transfer by vehicle to the Rongai trailhead, which is 2.5 hours away from the Marangu Gate. The trail begins in the tall cornfields then leads into the pine forest. This trail has a gradual ascent and allows you to enjoy their surroundings.

   • About halfway up the trail, have a lunch break and reach the 1st Caves Camp (2600m) in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef, who move very fast up the mountain, will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival.

   • After washing up, a hot dinner will be served.

   • For overnight, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing, so be prepared.

   Hiking time: 5 hours

   Distance: Approximately 8 kilometres

   Habitat: Montane Forest

2. Day 2: 1st Caves Camp (2600m) to Kikelewa Cave (3600m)

   • Following a hot breakfast, continue the ascent to Kikelewa Cave (3600m). The trail passes Second Cave (3450m), and this is a good spot to take a lunch break.

   • Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you.

   • Enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef.

   • Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.

   Hiking time: 6-7 hours

   Habitat: Moorlands

3. Day 3: Kikelewa Cave (3600) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)

   • On this day, enjoy a short yet steep trail to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m).

   • In the moorland, spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel.

   • At the camp, enjoy spectacular views and allow your bodies to acclimate.

   • Relish a hot dinner and washing water prepared and enjoy the magnificent sunset.

   Hiking time: 3-4 hours

   Habitat: Moorlands

4. Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4330m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

   • After breakfast, continue ascending east for a half-day hike to Kibo Hut. Kibo is located in the “Saddle”, which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but you can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office.

   • Eat an early dinner and rest before attempting the summit the same night.

   • Get briefed by your guide in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 7 pm.

   Hiking time: 4-5 hours

   Habitat: Alpine desert

5. Day 5: Kibo Hut (4700m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3720m)

   • Wake up at around 11:30 pm for tea and biscuits. Begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave.

   • Continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim.

   • From this point, you will usually experience a snow-covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment.

   • Spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours.

   • At Kibo Hut, take a rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun.

   • After eating, continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m).

   • Relax with dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a strenuous day.

   Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru and 6 hours to Horombo

   Habitat: Stone scree/ice-cap summit

   Distance: Approximately 6 kilometres ascent and 21 kilometres descent

6. Day 6: Horombo Hut (3720m) to Marangu Gate (1980m)

   • Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters.

   • After celebrating, descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates, and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates.

   • After receiving certificates, drive back to Moshi for long overdue showers and more celebrations.

   Hiking time: 6 hours

   Distance: Approximately 27 kilometres