Itinerary

1. Day 1: Nale Moru Gate to Simba Campsite

   • After pick-up in Moshi in the morning, we’ll drive you to Nale Moru, the village which is the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stretch of the hike is going to take you through farmland and pine forests, although you will have the opportunity to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or elephants and buffalos if you are lucky.
   • Your first camp will be the Simba, located on the very edge of the moorland zone, at 2625m.

2. Day 2: Simba Campsite to Kikelewa Campsite

   • The morning hike will be a steady ascent to the Second cave camp, which is located in the moorland zone. From here, you will have a spectacular view of Kibo and the eastern ice fields dwelling at the crater rim.
   • You will have lunch at the cave camp and then proceed with the hike through the moorland. You’ll be able to see the breathtaking eastern ice fields on the rim of Kibo (the highest of three volcanoes which form the mountain).
   • You’ll then leave the main trail and branch into the moorland on a lesser trail leading to the spiked peaks of Mawenzi, the second-highest volcanic comb of Kilimanjaro.
   • We’ll set up camp here in the secluded valley near Kikelewa caves at 3630m.

3. Day 3: Kikelewa Campsite to Mawenzi Turn Hut

   • You will wake up to a short but steep hike up the grassy slopes, which will lead to a rewarding view of the Kenyan plains to the north.
   • By leaving the vegetation behind, you will arrive at the Mawenzi Tarn Hut, the camp nested directly below the high cliffs of Mawenzi. Here, you will have a chance to explore the surrounding areas in the afternoon, which would be very useful for your acclimatization.

4. Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut

   • You will leave the campsite to walk across the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ that parts Mawenzi and Kibo. After a couple of hours of hiking, you will reach the area where the summit of Kilimanjaro will majestically stand in the background, and your trail to the high camp will unfold in plain sight. 
   • Once you reach the camp, you will spend the rest of the day resting in preparation for the final ascent after a very early night.

5. Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

   • You will wake up at around 11:30 P.M. for a hot cup of tea or coffee and then get ready for your hike to the summit, which will begin at around 12:30 P.M. The temperature at around this time is below freezing. The trail you will take twists upwards through heavy scree towards the Gilman’s point.
   • Once you are at Gilman’s Point, you will be served a hot cup of tea or coffee to warm you up as you enjoy the breathtaking view of the sunrise. The hike to Uhuru Peak will take about 1.5 hours over a gentle slope around the edge of the crater rim. Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa.
   • Once at the top, you will spend a short time enjoying the view and photographing your success before you begin the steep walk back to Kibo Hut for lunch and some rest. After this, you will descend to Horombo Hut for dinner and a good night’s rest.

6. Day 6: Horombu Hut to Marangu Gate

   • After breakfast and the last celebration with porters, you will begin your hike down to Marangu gate, where you will have a hot lunch. A car will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation in Moshi.