Day 1

Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp

  • Elevation: 1,950m to 2,625m
  • Distance: 8km
  • Hiking time: 3-4 hours
  • After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha and transferred to the Rongai Gate at the Nalemoru village, located on the northern side of Kilimanjaro. After registering with the park authorities, you will start your trek through lush rainforest with a chance to spot monkeys and other wildlife along the way. You will arrive at your first campsite, Simba Camp, in the early evening. This camp is located on the edge of the moorland zone and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
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Day 2

Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp

  • Elevation: 2,625m to 3,600m
  • Distance: 12km
  • Hiking time: 6-7 hours
  • After breakfast, you will continue your trek through the heather and moorland zones, with occasional views of Kibo peak in the distance. The trail is relatively gentle, but the altitude can make the hiking more challenging. You will arrive at your second campsite, Kikelewa Camp, in the mid-afternoon. The camp is situated in a sheltered valley with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
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Day 3

Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

  • Elevation: 3,600m to 4,330m
  • Distance: 6km
  • Hiking time: 3-4 hours
  • Today’s trek takes you through the saddle, a high-altitude desert between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. You will pass through the alpine desert landscape and arrive at your third campsite, Mawenzi Tarn, in the early afternoon. The campsite is situated on the shores of a small lake and offers stunning views of Mawenzi Peak.
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Day 4

Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

  • Elevation: 4,330m to 4,700m
  • Distance: 8km
  • Hiking time: 4-5 hours
  • After breakfast, you will continue your trek towards Kibo Hut, the base camp for the final ascent to the summit. The trail is relatively gentle, but the altitude can make the hiking more challenging. You will arrive at Kibo Hut in the mid-afternoon and have an early dinner before resting for the summit day.
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Day 5

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

  • Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m to 3,720m
  • Distance: 22km
  • Hiking time: 12-16 hours
  • This is the summit day, and you will start your ascent around midnight. The trail follows a steep, rocky path up to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, where you will witness a stunning sunrise over the surrounding landscape. From Gilman’s Point, the trail continues along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After taking in the views and celebrating your achievement, you will begin your descent towards Horombo Hut, where you will spend your final night on the mountain.
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Day 6

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Elevation: 3,720m to 1,830m
Distance: 20km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
After breakfast, you will begin your descent through the heather and moorland zones towards the Marangu Gate. You will pass through the rainforest once again and may have a chance to spot some of the wildlife that you saw on your first day. After reaching the gate and signing out with the park authorities, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest and celebration.