NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP: 7km /4.3mi | 3-4 hrs | Rainforest

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
Altitude gained: 638m

Starting from Moshi, a 4-5 hour drive will take you through coffee plantations and the Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Here, permits are issued while observing the lively preparations of various crews for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery and winding trails as your guide shares insights about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife you might encounter. Simba Camp is located near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone, offering stunning views of the Kenyan plains.

SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP: 5.8km/3.6mi | 5-6hrs | Moorland

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11440ft
Altitude gained: 852m

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, the journey continues along the moorland terrain on a steadily ascending path. Enjoy breathtaking views of Kibo and catch your first sight of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. As you approach the Second Cave, the small shrubs of the moorland become sparser, and temperatures begin to drop.

SECOND CAVE CAMP – KIKELEWA CAMP: 5.95km/3.7mi | 2-3hrs | Semi Desert

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 3487m/11,440ft to 3675m/12057ft
Altitude gained: 188m

After breakfast and packing, the steady ascent continues across the Moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Eastern ice fields, continually captivating with their beauty. Be mindful of your body’s condition and inform your guide of any signs of altitude sickness.

MAWENZI TARN – KIBO HUT: 8.9km /5mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 4714m/15,466ft
Altitude gained: 412m

Traverse the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the base of the Kibo crater wall. The rest of the day is dedicated to resting in preparation for the final ascent on Summit Night.

MAWENZI TARN – KIBO HUT: 8.9km /5mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 4714m/15,466ft
Altitude gained: 412m

Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent on Summit Night.

KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4km /2.5 mi up | 5-7hrs | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75km /9.8mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 721m
Descent to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude lost: 2174m

Excitement builds as the morning begins with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek.

The journey continues to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, focusing on the incredible sense of achievement that awaits. Ascend through heavy scree in a switchback motion towards Stella Point on the crater rim, where a magnificent sunrise awaits during a brief rest. Faster hikers may witness the sunrise from the summit. The final hour’s ascent to Uhuru Peak is likely to be snow-covered.

HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 20km/12.5mi |6-7hrs | Rainforest

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 3721m/12,208 to 1905m/6250ft
Altitude lost: 1816m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with the crew, it’s time to bid farewell. The descent continues, with a stop at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, as you will part ways here. Return to the Marangu Park Gate to receive summit certificates. As the weather is significantly warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. From the gate, a vehicle will transport you back to your hotel in Moshi (approximately 45 minutes).

• Hiking and safety equipment provided
• All entry fees covered
• Experienced climbing crew included
• Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
• Three daily meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

• Visas
• Tip for crew

The Rongai path is the sole approach to Kilimanjaro from the northern side, near the Kenyan boundary. Despite its growing appeal with climbers, Rongai sees less congestion. It’s the favored path for those seeking a less crowded alternative to the Marangu route, for individuals seeking a more secluded hike, and for climbers during the wet season (as the northern side experiences less rainfall).

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.