Day 1 : Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2635m/8645ft
Distance: 7km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest.
Day 2 : Hike Simba Camp to Second Cave
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft
Distance: 6km
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Day 3 : Hike Second Cave to Third Cave
Today we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.
Elevation: 3487m/11,440ft to 3939m/12,913ft
Distance: 4km
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Day 4 : Hike Third Cave to Kibo Hut
Hike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day!
Elevation: 3939m/12,913ft to 4700m/15,466ft
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5 : Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km up / 15km down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6 : Hike Horombo Hut to Marangu gate , drive to Moshi
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).It is time for celebration
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1905m/6250ft
Distance: 19km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Forest
Day 7 : Relaxation in Moshi & Departure
After a well-deserved night of rest in Moshi, this final day is dedicated to relaxation and preparation for your journey home. Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel, reflecting on your incredible achievement of conquering Mount Kilimanjaro. Depending on your flight schedule, you may explore Moshi town for souvenirs, coffee shops, or local markets. Later, our driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight.
