Itinerary
- Day 1
Rongai Gate
After an early breakfast in Moshi or Marangu, you'll head to the Rongai-Nalemoru Gate near the Kenya border to start this quieter route up Kilimanjaro. The path goes gently through forest where you might spot wildlife, then the trees thin out as you approach your first camp at the moorland edge with views stretching across the Kenyan plains. Plan on about 3-4 hours of walking today.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Trek from Rongai-Nalemoru Gate through forest to first campsite
- Professional guide-led mountain climb
Optional Activities
- Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (for additional cost)
Landmarks/POIs Rongai-Nalemoru Gate Mount Kilimanjaro - Day 2
Second Cave to Upper Kikelelwa
The morning has you steadily climbing to Second Cave at 3,450m/11,320ft, where you'll get great views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. After lunch you'll branch off the main trail and cross the moorland on a smaller path heading toward Mawenzi's jagged peaks. Your camp sits on a small plateau above a sheltered valley near Kikelelwa Caves. This is a longer day with 7-8 hours of walking.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Trek to Second Cave viewpoint
- Cross moorland toward Mawenzi peaks
- Professional guide-led mountain climb
Landmarks/POIs Kibo Mawenzi Kikelelwa Caves - Day 3
Mawenzi Camp
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes gets you all-round views and a real feeling of remoteness. Once you hit Mawenzi camp at 4,300m/14,100ft, vegetation drops away and you're under the towering spires of Mawenzi itself. The afternoon is yours to rest and walk around the area to help your body adjust to the altitude. About 3-4 hours of walking in the morning.
Included Activities
- Trek up grassy slopes to Mawenzi camp
- Professional guide-led mountain climb
- Free afternoon for rest and acclimatization
Optional Activities
- Explore surrounding area during free afternoon
Landmarks/POIs Mawenzi - Day 4
Kibo Campsite
You'll cross the Saddle, that lunar-like desert between Mawenzi and Kibo, then reach Kibo campsite at the base of the crater wall. After that you mostly rest and prepare mentally for the summit push happening tonight. Expect 5-6 hours of walking as you traverse this otherworldly terrain.
Included Activities
- Trek across the Saddle lunar desert
- Professional guide-led mountain climb
Landmarks/POIs Kibo - Day 5
Summit Push to Horombo Camp
The hardest part starts around 1 a.m. with headlamps on, climbing steeply over loose volcanic scree on switchbacks to Gillman's Point at 5,685m/18,650ft where the sunrise over Mawenzi is spectacular. If you're feeling strong, a three-hour round trip takes you to Uhuru Peak at 5,896m/19,340ft past glaciers and ice cliffs. After resting and refueling at Kibo Hut, you descend to Horombo campsite. This is a long push, 11-15 hours total.
Included Activities
- Final summit push from Kibo to Gillman's Point
- Sunrise viewing at Gillman's Point
- Descent to Horombo Camp
- Professional guide-led mountain climb
Optional Activities
- Three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896m) - optional for those feeling strong
Landmarks/POIs Gillman's Point Uhuru Peak Mawenzi - Day 6
Marangu Gate and Descent
You'll descend steadily through the moorland to Mandara Hut at 2,700m/8,860ft, your first stop on the Marangu route side. From there the path continues down through thick green forest on a well-maintained track to the National Park gate at Marangu. Once you exit the park, you'll get a ride to Kilimanjaro Airport or to accommodation in Moshi or Arusha for your next plans. About 5-6 hours of walking today.
Included Activities
- Trek through moorland to Mandara Hut
- Descent through lush forest to Marangu Gate
- Professional guide-led mountain climb
Optional Activities
- Accommodation in Moshi or Arusha to continue with other tours (additional cost)
Landmarks/POIs Mandara Hut Marangu Gate Kilimanjaro National Park
