Elevation (m): 1950m to 2600m, Distance: 8 km, Time: 4 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest. 

We will register at Marangu Park Gate and then transfer (approximately 2 ½ hours) to the Rongai trailhead. We will meet our porters before we begin our trek from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before climbing gently through a pine forest. The first night’s camp is at First Cave, at about 2600m altitude.

Elevation (m): 2600m to 3600m, Distance: 9km, Time: 6 – 7 hours, Habitat: Moorland.

The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m), and reaching Kikelewa Cave at 3600m. From here the views start to open up and we will see for ourselves how huge a mountain Kilimanjaro really is. We overnight at Third Cave Camp (Kikelewa Cave).

Elevation (m): 3600m to 4330m, Distance: 6 km, Time: 4 hours, Habitat: Moorland.

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330 m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation.

Elevation (m): 4330m, Habitat: Moorland.

We will spend an extra day at Mawenzi Tarn to acclimatize. We will be able to trek and explore around Mawenzi Tarn and also rest ready to continue our trek up Kilimanjaro tomorrow.

Elevation (m): 4330m to 4750m, Distance: 4 km, Time: 3 hours, Habitat: Alpine desert.

We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4750m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent tomorrow!

Elevation (m): 4750m to 5895m to 3720m, Distance: 6 km ascent/16km descent, Time: 6-8 hours ascent/4-5 hours descent Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.

We will rise around 23.30 hours and after some tea and biscuits we will start our ascent. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). We then zigzag up to Gillman’s point (5681m), on the crater rim. This section is very steep with much stone scree and is the most demanding section of the route. From Gillman’s Point we could encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long we can spend, taking photographs, before we descend back to Kibo Hut and then Horombo where we will stay overnight. Later in the evening we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation (m): 3720m to 1980m, Distance: 18 km, Time: 6 hours  Habitat: Montane Forest.

We descend down to the Marangu Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will be suitable (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Depature

Depart for Kilimanjaro Airport