Itinerary
- Day 1
Marangu to Rongai One
Start at Marangu National Park gate and transfer to Rongai to begin your trek. The trail takes you through maize and potato fields before entering pine forest, where you might spot Kilimanjaro Colobus monkeys with their distinctive white capes. By day's end, you'll reach Rongai One camp positioned at the moorland edge overlooking the Kenyan plains. Total trek time is around 5-6 hours.
- Start point
- Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Camping (Simba Camp)
Included Activities
- Trek from Nale Moru through maize and potato fields
- Walk through pine forest with wildlife viewing
- Reach Rongai One campsite at moorland zone
Landmarks Marangu National Park Gate Nale Moru Rongai One Campsite Mount Kilimanjaro - Day 2
Second Cave to Kikelewa
Start with a steady climb in the morning toward Second Cave, which offers great views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields. After lunch, leave the main trail and trek across moorland with views of Mawenzi's jagged peaks in front of you. By afternoon, you'll arrive at Kikelewa campsite tucked in a sheltered valley near the caves, surrounded by giant senecios. This day takes about 7-8 hours.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Camping (Kikelewa Caves)
Included Activities
- Ascent to Second Cave at 3,450 m
- Trek across moorland toward Mawenzi peaks
- Reach Kikelewa campsite near Kikelewa Caves
Landmarks Second Cave Kibo Mawenzi Kikelewa Caves Kikelewa Campsite - Day 3
Mawenzi Tarn
Today's a shorter but steep climb that takes you out of vegetation and into more open terrain. You'll reach Mawenzi Tarn campsite, which sits dramatically beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi itself. The afternoon is yours to rest or walk around the area to help your body adjust to the altitude. Trek time is roughly 4 hours, leaving plenty of time to acclimatize.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Camping (MAWENZI TARN CAMP)
Included Activities
- Short steep climb to Mawenzi Tarn
- Rest and exploration time for acclimatization
Landmarks Mawenzi Tarn Campsite Mawenzi - Day 4
Kibo Campsite
Cross the barren Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, a lunar-like landscape that feels otherworldly. After reaching Kibo campsite at the crater wall's base, you'll spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for tomorrow's push to the summit. Plan for an early bedtime since the final ascent starts around 1 a.m.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hut (Kibo Huts)
Included Activities
- Cross the Saddle (lunar desert between Mawenzi and Kibo)
- Reach Kibo campsite at crater base
Landmarks Saddle (Kibo-Mawenzi) Kibo Campsite Kibo - Day 5
Summit Attempt and Descent
Begin around 1 a.m. with headlamps on, trekking slowly up switchbacks over loose volcanic scree toward the crater rim. By sunrise, you'll reach Gillman's Point with views of Mawenzi spread below. If you're feeling strong, continue on a three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak, passing glaciers and ice cliffs along the way. After, descend to Horombo Camp for rest before the longer descent continues.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hut (Horombo Hut)
Included Activities
- Final ascent by torchlight with switchback trail
- Reach Gillman's Point crater rim at sunrise
- Descent to Kibo campsite
- Continue descent to Horombo Camp
Optional Activities
- Three-hour round trip from Gillman's Point to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m)
Landmarks Gillman's Point Uhuru Peak Kibo Crater Horombo Camp 
- Day 6
Final Descent and Return to Moshi
After breakfast, make your final descent through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest toward Marangu Gate, watching your step as the trail can be muddy and slippery. At the gate, you'll receive your summit certificate and then drive back to Moshi. A hot shower, proper meal, and celebration with your guides make for the perfect end to your climb.
- End point
- Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Descent through cloud forest to Marangu Gate
- Summit certificate presentation at Marangu Gate
Landmarks Horombo Camp Kilimanjaro Cloud Forest Marangu Gate
