We pick you up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi town, where you spend the night.

At the hotel, your guide will brief you on the upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. If you're missing anything important, not to worry, we offer gear rentals.

The journey kicks off with a scenic 3 hour morning drive through local villages and sprawling coffee plantations, culminating at the distinctive wooden village of Nale Moru in the northeastern slopes of Kilimanjaro. Here you will enjoy a picnic lunch and then complete registration formalities. You'll then meet your dedicated porters and begin your ascent. Initially passing through lush rainforest terrain, the trail gradually transitions to the drier northern side. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route.

As you ascend, the landscape changes, leading you into the heather zone. Your day concludes at Simba Camp, also known as First Cave Camp, where you'll spend the night in tents at approximately 2625 m or 9,300 feet. This camp offers a spectacular outlook across the Kenyan plains.

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours from 2,364 m at Rongai Gate to 2,671 m at Simba Camp

Today’s stage begins in the morning with a steady climb up to Second Cave Camp. The route takes in a long stretch characterized by heather, wild flowers and stony paths. As you walk, you can enjoy the view of Kibo and the east-facing glaciers on the crater rim. After lunch at the Second Cave (3450m) you will leave the main trail and continue along a narrower path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. You will finally reach Kikelelwa Caves around 1700 hrs. This will be your overnight campsite.

Hiking: 6 to 7 hours walking, from 2,671 m at Simba Camp to 3,600 m at Kikelelwa Camp

The third day of the Rongai Route trek on Mount Kilimanjaro is a short but steep hike. The trail from Kikelelwa Camp leads to Mawenzi Tarn, located at an elevation of 4,300 meters. This part of the trek covers a distance of about 4 kilometers or 2.5 miles.

The hike is characterized by a change in landscape from low alpine to high alpine. Despite the short distance, the trail is steep, making this part of the trek challenging. However, the reward is the stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the sense of achievement upon reaching Mawenzi Tarn camp.

Expect to reach this camp around 13:00 hrs for lunch, and have the rest of the afternoon off. This free time can be used to explore the surrounding area, take in the breathtaking views, or simply rest and prepare for the next day's trek. It's also an excellent opportunity for trekkers to acclimatize to the high altitude and rarefied air.

The Rongai Route is known for its unspoiled wilderness and the possibility of spotting large wildlife such as antelope, elephant, and buffalo. This adds an element of adventure and excitement to the trek, making the third day a memorable part of the journey.

Hiking time 3 – 4 hours walking, from 3,600 m at Kikelelwa Camp to 4,315 m at Mawenzi Tarn Campsite

Today you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast, as you will be staying at Mawenzi Tarn for a second night and do not need to pack. The morning will be spent on an acclimatization walk. Dependent upon how you are feeling this can be a steep walk up the scree slopes towards the peak of Mawenzi, or a gentler climb to the ridge or the lunar desert, visiting the eerie site of a plane crash. Return to Mawenzi Tarn for a hot lunch and afternoon of rest. Dinner is once again scheduled for 18.00hrs.

Hiking time: 2-3 hours, 4,315 m at Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Mawenzi Ridge at 4,389 m and return to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Day five is a long but gradual hike from Mawenzi Tarn heading west through the Saddle which is formed between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi, and up to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters). The route is dry, barren and rather inhospitable, but provides spectacular "lunar" views of Kibo.

Kibo Huts Camp sits directly below the summit cone, looking down over the Kenyan plains and Mawenzi and upwards to the climb that lies ahead. After lunch and a full summit briefing, rest in preparation for your summit attempt.

You will get served and early dinner and will go to bed early as you will be woken up around 23:30 to begin your summit attempt.

Hiking time: 4.5 – 5 hours walking, from 4,315 m at Mawenzi Tarn Camp to 4,720 m at Kibo Camp

Today is the big the summit day. You will begin your final ascent around midnight and it is going to be long and strenuous.

As you wake up around midnight, there is just enough time for a small meal before you begin your nightly hike.

The goal is to reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim by dawn to ensure that you can make it to Uhuru, the highest point of Kibo, shortly after sunrise. There will be a quick stop at Gilman’s Point to experience the glorious view. Then you will continue 1-2 hrs along the edge of the crater to Uhuru peak – this is the last part of the ascent and features a steady incline.

Depending on when you take your journey, you may face snow on the final stretch of the path to the Uhuru Peak – the highest point in Africa. The triumph of reaching the top against such adversity is something you need to experience yourself. After a few snapshots with the wooden signboard, you will start back towards the Kibo Huts. This part goes by incredibly quickly.

At the Kibo Huts, you will stop to relax and enjoy a much-needed lunch, before moving along to the Horombo Huts, where you will enjoy a well-deserved full night’s rest.

The final day from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,870 meters) is a long one, nearly 20km! Your knees will be sore from the previous days hike so go slowly and make sure of your footing as you descend, using your trekking poles to limit the impact on your joints.

Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through the cloud forest. At the gate, you will be met and transferred to Moshi.