On arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport KIA with a code JRO, our guide will meet you and drive to your hotel in Arusha.

You will get a chance for a briefing, introduction about your trek to Kilimanjaro and check on your pack list.

This morning you will drive for approximately 2-3 hours to the Rongai Nalemoru Gate, near the Kenyan border.

After registering, begin your hike through the forest where you may see and hear wildlife, including black and white Colobus monkeys.

Enjoy lunch on the trail, before continuing to the first campsite.

Overnight Simba Camp

Altitude: 1,950 meters (6,398 feet) – 2,600 meters (8,530 feet)
Hiking distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours’ time

Day two takes you through Kilimanjaro’s moorland with views of Mawenzi Peak ahead. The morning is steep and here you may begin to feel the altitude.

Explore the first cave before resting over lunch close to the second cave. The afternoon is gentler, contouring across the moorland to camp in a sheltered valley. Trekking time approximately 6-8 hours.

Overnight Kikelewa Camp

Altitude: 2,600 meters (8,528 feet) – 3,600 meters (11,811 feet)
Hiking distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Today you will hike in the morning and rest in the afternoon, to help you acclimatize. The trail is relatively short but steep, and you are rewarded with superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness. The campsite lies below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.

Overnight Mawenzi Tarn

Altitude: 3,600 meters (11,810 feet) – 4,315 meters (14,157 feet)
Hiking distance: 6 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours

This extra day at Mawenzi Tarn is essential for acclimatization. Use this time to hike up toward Mawenzi Peak, which provides a splendid acclimatization opportunity and aid in your body’s adjustment to the higher altitude.

The hike offers stunning views and helps your body adapt to the thinner air, preparing you for the more demanding stages of your trek. After your hike, return to Mawenzi Tarn to rest and relax.

This rest day is crucial for building the stamina needed for the challenging trek ahead to Kibo Hut. Ensure you stay well-hydrated and focused, as this preparation will be key for your summit attempt.

Overnight Mawenzi Tarn

Altitude: (4,330m/14,200ft) to (4,700m/15,410ft)

Elevation Gain: 370m/1,210ft

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a trek across the vast, barren lunar landscape known as the “Saddle,” which stretches between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The terrain is desolate yet mesmerizing, with rugged vistas and the summit looming ahead in the distance.

Though the trail is long, it maintains a gentle incline, allowing for a steady pace as you approach the final stage of your journey. Upon arriving at Kibo Hut, you’ll rest and enjoy an early dinner to conserve energy for the summit attempt.

Altitude: 4,315 meters (14,157 feet) – 4,720 meters (15,486 feet)
Hiking distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail consists mostly of steep switchbacks, with a rocky section known as Jamaica Rocks to scramble over as you approach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (5,756m).

The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude however makes it feel long and tiring. After summit celebrations descend to Kibo Huts to eat, before continuing down to Horombo Huts to camp. Total trekking time is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day.

Overnight Horombo Huts

Altitude: 4,700 meters (15,419 feet) – 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) – 3,720 meters (12,205 feet)
Hiking distance: 22 km
Hiking time: 12-15 hours 

Mission accomplished! After breakfast, you’ll start your descent through the diverse moorland and lush rainforest zones, making your way back to Marangu Gate. As you trek downward, take in the final views of the landscape and reflect on your accomplishment.

Upon reaching the gate, you’ll be presented with your well-earned summit certificate as a testament to your achievement. From there, you’ll be driven back to Springlands Hotel in Moshi, where a hot meal, a refreshing shower, and a comfortable bed await.

Altitude: 3,720 meters (12,205 feet) – 1,830 meters (6,004 feet)
Hiking distance: 20 km
Hiking time: 6-7 hours