Itinerary

1. Day 1- Moshi - Rongai Gate - Simba Camp

   • Connect with your tour guide in Moshi and transfer to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short drive to the Rongai Gate trailhead. 
   • Pass through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest, which is home to a variety of 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- Simba Camp - Second Cave - Kikelelwa Camp

   • Begin the morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. 
   • Continue trekking through moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelelwa Cave for the night.

   Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
   Distance: 12 km/8miles
   Hiking Time: 8-9 hours
   Habitat: Heath

3. Day 3- Kikelelwa Cave - Mawenzi Turn

   • The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. The landscape changes dramatically as we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. 
   • Spend the remaining day relaxing or exploring the area.

   Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
   Distance: 5 km/3 miles
   Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
   Habitat: Alpine Desert

4. Day 4- Mawenzi Turn - Mawenzi Ridge - Mawenzi Turn

   • This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. 
   • After spending a few moments exploring the area, we head back to Mawenzi Turn for camp.

   Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft -14,400 ft
   Distance: 2 km/1 mile
   Hiking Time: 2 hours
   Habitat: Alpine Desert

5. Day 5- Mawenzi Turn - Kibo Hut

   • Ascend gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. 
   • Once here, have some rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

   Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
   Distance: 8 km/5 miles
   Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
   Habitat: Alpine Desert

6. Day 6- Kibo Hut - Uhuru Peak - Horombo Hut

   • Very early in the morning (around midnight), begin the hike 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 are ever likely to 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 accomplishment, descend to Horombo Hut. 
   • Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

   Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
   Distance: 19 km
   Hiking Time: 9 -10 hours
   Habitat: Arctic

7. Day 7- Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate - Moshi

   • On the last day, have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. 
   • Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, collect the summit certificates. 
   • Meet the driver and drive back to the hotel in Moshi.

   Trip ends.

   Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
   Distance: 20 km/12 miles
   Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
   Habitat: Rain Forest