5 Nights
Elevation: 5,380 ft to 8,550 ft | Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
Depart from Moshi and drive to Rongai Gate for registration and the start of the trek. Begin your hike through the rainforest, with beautiful vegetation, wildlife, and the opportunity to spot various species of birds and monkeys. Gradually ascend through the lush forest, arriving at Simba Camp where you will spend the night.
Elevation: 8,550 ft to 11,300 ft | Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Heath and Moorland
Continue your ascent from Simba Camp into the heath and moorland zone. The landscape becomes more open, and the views of the mountain and surrounding valleys begin to expand. Reach Second Cave, where you will overnight. This camp offers impressive views of the Kilimanjaro peaks.
Elevation: 11,300 ft to 13,100 ft | Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Moorland and Alpine Desert
Ascend further from Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave. As you climb, the landscape becomes more barren and rocky, with few signs of vegetation. The views of the mountain become more dramatic, and you’ll feel the change in altitude. Overnight at Kikelewa Cave.
Elevation: 13,100 ft to 14,160 ft | Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Continue the climb from Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn, a stunning location below the Mawenzi peak. This is a shorter hike, but the higher altitude and barren landscape offer dramatic scenery. Arrive at Mawenzi Tarn to rest and acclimatize, as you’ll be staying here overnight.
Elevation: 14,160 ft to 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak), then down to 14,160 ft | Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 12-14 hours | Habitat: Arctic to Alpine Desert
Start the summit attempt around midnight. Ascend through the steep trails toward Gilman’s Point (18,630 ft) and continue the final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your achievement at the summit before starting the long descent back to Mawenzi Tarn for rest.
Elevation: 14,160 ft to 5,380 ft | Distance: 22 km (13.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert to Rainforest
After a rest at Mawenzi Tarn, begin the descent back to Rongai Gate. The trail takes you through alpine desert landscapes and eventually returns to the rainforest. Once at the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate, and your trek will be complete.
This 6-day Marangu Route itinerary includes the full climb to Uhuru Peak with continuous ascent and descent ..
The 8-day Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro offers a scenic and gradual ascent, starting from the Londorossi Gate..
This 6-day Rongai Route itinerary follows the full climb to Uhuru Peak with a continuous ascent and descent…
