Day 1: Rongai Gate (1,950m) to Simba Camp (2,620m)

Distance: 8 km | Time: 4–5 hours | Zone: Rainforest/Montane Forest

After registration at Marangu Gate, transfer to Rongai Gate on the northern side of Kilimanjaro. Start your trek through remote forest areas, home to black-and-white colobus monkeys. The trail ascends gradually to Simba Camp, with expansive views over Kenya’s Amboseli plains.

• Overnight: Simba Camp
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp (3,480m)

Distance: 9 km | Time: 5–6 hours | Zone: Moorland

Continue your gradual climb through heather and moorland, with open views of Kibo’s icy summit cone. Enjoy lunch at Second Cave Camp, where the clear skies often reveal breathtaking stars at night.

• Overnight: Second Cave Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp (3,630m)

Distance: 6 km | Time: 3–4 hours | Zone: Moorland

Ascend steadily through moorland ridges with wide panoramas of the Eastern Icefields. This short day aids acclimatization and gives you time to rest and adjust at the scenic Kikelewa Camp, set below Mawenzi Peak.

• Overnight: Kikelewa Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)

Distance: 6 km | Time: 3–4 hours | Zone: Alpine Desert

Today’s climb is steeper as you hike toward the Mawenzi volcanic spires, a dramatic backdrop. Reach the beautifully located Mawenzi Tarn Camp, nestled beneath the jagged peak. This is an important day for acclimatization, and a short afternoon hike is recommended.

• Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4,700m)

Distance: 9 km | Time: 5–6 hours | Zone: Alpine Desert

Cross the Saddle, a barren stretch between Mawenzi and Kibo, to reach Kibo Hut, your summit base camp. Rest here, hydrate, and prepare your gear for the early midnight start. The cold, dry air begins to bite—layers and pacing are key.

• Overnight: Kibo Hut
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), descend to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Distance: 21 km | Time: 12–14 hours | Zone: Arctic to Moorland

Begin your summit attempt at midnight, navigating switchbacks to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) by sunrise. Then trek the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate briefly, take summit photos, then descend back to Kibo for rest, and onward to Horombo Hut for a well-earned meal and sleep.

• Overnight: Horombo Hut
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,870m) – Return to Arusha or Moshi

Distance: 20 km | Time: 6–7 hours | Zone: Rainforest

Descend through the moorland and rainforest zones to Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. After celebrating with your team, transfer back to Arusha or Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch