Itinerary

1. Day 1 - 20 December- Moshi / Arusha – Rongai Gate – Rongai Cave

   • Once you have arrived safely at Kilimanjaro airport, you will be met by one of our friendly drivers, who will transfer you to the White House Hotel in Moshi. If you arrive early, you can explore the small town of Moshi, which is only a short taxi ride away, or relax at the lodge and prepare for the days ahead. You will also meet with one of our operations staff and Guide, who will explain everything you need to know regarding your trek and check all your equipment.

2. Day 2 - 21 December- Simba Camp - Second Caves Camp

   • The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave(11,300 ft) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out and head southeast across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley, decorated with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (11,800 ft).

3. Day 3 - 22 December- Second caves Camp - Kikelewa Caves

   • 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. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area. Superb all-around 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(14,200 ft), 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 3 - 23 December- Kikelewa Caves - Mawenzi Tarn (4330m)

   • We have an additional day to acclimatize. The day will be spent exploring the area by walking up onto the Saddle towards Camel’s Back. Afterwards, we will return to camp at Mawenzi Tarn (14,200 ft).

5. Day 5 - 24 December- Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4700m)

   • We cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) at the bottom of the crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for an early morning final ascent.

6. Day 6 - 25 December-Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut

   • We begin our push to the summit very early in the morning (around midnight). 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. We 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, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
   • After taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. 

7. Day 7 - 26 December- Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Moshi / Arusha

   • On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.