Itinerary

1. Day 1 - Nale Moru to Rongai 1 camp

   • After completing the necessary registration formalities at the Marangu National Park gate, we transfer to Rongai. 
   • The climb begins from Nale Moru (1,950 m) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the pine forest. 
   • The track then climbs consistently but gently through a beautiful forest that shelters various wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. 
   • These monkeys are black with a long 'cape' of white hair and a flowing white tail. 
   • The forest begins to thin out, and the first camp, Rongai One, is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

2. Day 2 - Rongai 1 camp, Second Cave to Kikelewa Caves

   • The morning walk is a steady ascent to the 'Second Cave' (3,450 m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. 
   • After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. 
   • Kikelewa campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves. (3,600 m)

3. Day 3 - Second cave to Mawenzi Camp Tarn

   • Superb allround views and a tangible sense of wilderness reward a short but steep climb. 
   • We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. 
   • The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization.

4. Day 4 - Mawenzi camp tarn to Kibo campsite

   • We cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700 m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. 
   • The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night!

5. Day 5 - Kibo campsite to reach Horombo Camp

   • We will start the final and, by far, the steepest and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. 
   • We plod slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (5,685 m). 
   • We will rest there briefly to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. 
   • Those still feeling strong can make the three hours round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. 
   • The descent to Kibo (4,700 m) is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach Horombo Camp (3,720 m).

6. Day 6 - Horombo Camp, Marangu Gate to Kilimanjaro White House

   • 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 the lower station of Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi.
   • You sign your name and details at the gate in a register book. 
   • This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reach Gilmans Point are issued green certificates, and those who reach Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive Golden certificates.
   • You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner, descent bed and celebrations!