Itinerary
- Day 1
Nale Moru
You'll drive about 2 hours to reach the wooden village of Nale Moru, stopping at Marangu to sort out your permit. Once you sign in and get your porters organized, the hike begins on a wide, straightforward path cutting through maize and potato fields. After that, the trail enters pine forest where you'll notice wildlife as you climb gradually through nice woodland. The path thins out as you transition into moorland, and you'll start seeing views across the Kenyan plains. Your first camp sits at 2650m elevation/8,694 feet.
- Start point
- Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (At your hotel)
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided hike through montane forest from Nale Moru to First Camp
- Wildlife viewing during forest trek
- Scenic views over Kenyan plains from moorland zone
Landmarks Mount Kilimanjaro Nale Moru Marangu 
- Day 2
Second Cave
This morning you'll make a steady climb toward the Second Cave, and the views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim are really the highlight here. You're trekking through moorland as the elevation keeps building. The distance is moderate and the pace stays steady, so it's a good day to find your rhythm and let your body adjust to the altitude.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided hike to Second Cave
- Views of Kibo and Eastern ice fields on crater rim
Landmarks Kibo - Day 3
Third Cave
From the Second Cave, you'll continue on to the Third Cave, moving through semi-desert habitat that becomes more barren as you go higher. The trek covers moderate distance, but you'll feel the elevation gain more noticeably now. Each step takes you into terrain that looks increasingly sparse and rocky.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided hike from Second Cave to Third Cave
- Day 4
Kibo Hut
The hike from here takes you up to Kibo Hut, which sits at the base of the Kibo crater wall. Once you arrive, this day is really about resting and mentally preparing for what comes next. It's a crucial acclimatization and recovery day before your summit push tomorrow, so you'll want to spend most of it eating well, hydrating, and getting good sleep.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided hike to Kibo Hut
- Rest and preparation for summit attempt
Landmarks Kibo Hut - Day 5
Uhuru Peak to Horombo
Your alarm goes off between midnight and 2am as you begin the final push to the summit. Climbing steep scree or snow with your headlamp, you'll make your way to Gilman's Point on the crater rim at 5700m/18,700 feet, then continue on to Uhuru Peak at 5895m/19,341 feet, Africa's highest point. You'll take time for photos and to soak in the summit views before starting your descent. The climb happens in darkness and can be freezing at first, with many switchbacks to navigate. Going slow with a 'pole pole' pace (that's Swahili for 'slowly, slowly') and keeping a positive mindset are absolutely essential here. After descending, you'll stop for lunch and rest at Kibo before heading down to Horombo encampment.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided summit climb to Uhuru Peak (5895m)
- Passage through Gilman's Point (5700m) on crater rim
- Personal summit certificate signed by National Park and guide
Landmarks Uhuru Peak Gilman's Point - Day 6
Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate
After breakfast, you'll make a steady descent through moorland down to Mandara Hut, then keep going through lush forest until you reach the National Park gate at Marangu. Lower elevations tend to be wet and muddy at this point, so gaiters and trekking poles really help with the footing. You can wear lightweight clothing like shorts and t-shirts, though it's smart to keep rain gear and warmer layers accessible just in case. Once you pass through the gate, you'll head back to your hotel to rest after completing the trek.
- End point
- Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (At your hotel)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided descent through moorland to Mandara Hut
- Guided descent through forest to Marangu National Park gate
- Return transfer to hotel
Landmarks Mandara Hut Marangu Gate
