Day 1: Welcome to Tanzania

Transport will be provided from the Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodation in Moshi. You’ll have some rest before meeting your guides, who will brief you about the climb and Mt. Kilimanjaro, followed by equipment check to ensure that all you have all the essentials. If some of your equipment is missing or is in a bad shape, you can rent from us. You’ll have dinner and spend the night here in preparation for the adventure awaiting you.

Day 2: Nale Moru Gate to Simba Campsite

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 forest, 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.

• Elevation 1990meters to 2625meters
• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

Day 3: 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 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 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.

• Elevation 2526meters to 3630meters
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Day 4: Kikelewa Campsite to Mawenzi Turn Hut

You will wake up to a short but steep hike up the grassy slopes which 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 then have a chance to explore the surrounding areas in the afternoon, which would be very useful for your acclimatization.

• Elevation 3630meters to 4310meters
• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Day 5: 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 hiking, you will reach the area where the summit of Kilimanjaro will be 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.

• Elevation 4310meters to 4700meters
• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6: 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, 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 and in Africa. Once at the top, you will spend a short time enjoying the view and photograph 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.

• Elevation 4700 meters to 5895meters to 3720meters
• Distance: 20km
• Hiking Time:13 – 14 hours
• Habitat: Arctic

Day 7: 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 some hot lunch. A car will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation in Moshi.

• Elevation 3720metes to 1800meters
• Distance: 10km
• Hiking Time:6-7 hours
• Habitat: Semi-Desert