Request this trip
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. This day is dedicated to rest, final gear checks, and a briefing on the upcoming climb.
Your guide will go over the Rongai Route plan, health and safety measures, and answer any questions. Take time to relax, hydrate, and get mentally prepared for the adventure ahead. You’ll sleep in a comfortable hotel room at an altitude of around 900 m (2,953 ft). This is a perfect time to enjoy local cuisine and meet fellow climbers before the journey to the “Roof of Africa” begins.
| LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS | MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS | BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS |
|---|---|---|
|
Kili Season Hotel/coffee Lodge Arusha |
Kahawa House Lodge Arusha/lake Duluti Lodge |
Villa Maua Hotel/africa Safari Arusha |
Kili Season Hotel
Kahawa House Lodge Arusha
Villa Maua Hotel
Day 2: Rongai Gate (1,950 m/6,398 ft) – First Cave Camp (2,650 m/8,694 ft)
After breakfast, you’ll drive to Rongai Gate for registration and start the trek through dense rainforest. The path gradually ascends as you pass through fields and forest filled with colobus monkeys and vibrant birdlife. As you climb, the forest opens into moorland. The trail is steady and gentle, ideal for acclimatization.
You’ll arrive at First Cave Camp, located at 2,650 meters (8,694 ft), where you’ll spend the night in tents. The campsite offers clear views of the Kenyan plains and possibly Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped summit in the distance. After dinner, rest under a starry sky, enjoying your first night on the mountain.
- Distance: 8 km (5 mi)
- Time: 3–4 hours
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
First Cave Camp |
First Cave Camp
First Cave Camp
Day 3: First Cave Camp (2,650 m/8,694 ft) – Kikelewa Camp (3,660 m/12,007 ft)
Today’s trek continues through moorland, with sweeping views of the eastern slopes of Kilimanjaro. The trail ascends steadily, offering your first real sense of the mountain’s scale. You’ll pass the Second Cave (3,450 m/11,319 ft), a popular spot for lunch and short rest.
The vegetation begins to thin as you ascend to Kikelewa Camp at 3,660 meters (12,007 ft), nestled in a sheltered valley. Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s second summit, looms impressively nearby. You may spot sunbirds and alpine flowers. Acclimatization becomes more important at this stage, so take it slow and stay hydrated. You’ll camp here and enjoy a warm dinner before sleeping under the stars.
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Kikelewa Camp |
Kikelewa Camp
Kikelewa Camp
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp (3,660 m/12,007 ft) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,305 m/13,238 ft)
This is a shorter but steeper climb, with a noticeable change in landscape as you move into the alpine desert zone. You’ll leave behind grassy slopes and enter rocky terrain. The trail winds up to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located at the base of the jagged Mawenzi Peak, at 4,305 meters (13,238 ft). The tarn (a glacial lake) nearby provides a striking setting for camp.
The scenery here is dramatic and serene, with stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This afternoon can be used for short acclimatization hikes around the tarn. Expect cooler temperatures and an increasingly alpine environment.
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Time: 3–4 hours
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Mawenzi Tarn Camp |
Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,305 m/13,238 ft) – Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m/15,485 ft)
Today’s trek crosses the lunar-like Saddle, a high-altitude desert plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The trail is dry and dusty with little vegetation, but the wide-open views are spectacular.
You’ll ascend gradually to Kibo Huts Camp at 4,720 meters (15,485 ft), the final base camp before summit night. You’ll arrive in the early afternoon to rest, hydrate, and eat an early dinner. You’ll sleep a few hours before the midnight summit push. This part of the route is crucial for conserving energy and acclimating. The atmosphere here is quiet and serious as climbers mentally prepare for the challenge ahead.
- Distance: 9 km (5.6 mi)
- Time: 4–5 hours
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Kibo Huts Camp |
Kibo Huts Camp
Kibo Huts Camp
Day 6: Kibo Huts Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) – Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)
The summit attempt begins around midnight. The steep ascent via Gilman’s Point (5,681 m/18,638 ft) is tough and cold, often in darkness. You’ll reach Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa—by sunrise if conditions allow. At 5,895 meters (19,340 ft), the views of glaciers, crater rim, and sunrise over the plains are unforgettable. After photos and brief celebration, you’ll descend back to Kibo for rest, then continue to Horombo Huts at 3,720 meters (12,204 ft).
The day is long and demanding, but extremely rewarding. Tonight, you’ll sleep well, having conquered one of the world’s great trekking challenges.
- Distance: 22 km (13.7 mi)
- Time: 12–14 hours
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Horombo Huts |
Horombo Huts
Horombo Huts
Day 7: Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) – Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) – Hotel
The final descent is a long walk through the heath and forest zones of Kilimanjaro’s southern
side. You’ll pass Mandara Huts and continue to Marangu Gate at 1,860 meters (6,102 ft), where you officially end the trek. After receiving your summit certificate, you’ll be transported back to the hotel for a hot shower, celebratory meal, and well-deserved rest. Take time to reflect on the adventure, share stories with fellow climbers, and relax. The return to lower altitude is a relief, and the greenery and warmth are a welcome change after the high alpine terrain.
- Distance: 20 km (12.4 mi)
- Time: 6–8 hours
| LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS | MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS | BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS |
|---|---|---|
|
Kili Season Hotel/coffee Lodge Arusha |
Kahawa House Lodge Arusha/lake Duluti Lodge |
Villa Maua Hotel/africa Safari Arusha |
Kili Season Hotel
Kahawa House Lodge Arusha
Villa Maua Hotel
Day 8: Departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. If you have extra time, optional excursions such as a safari or visit to local cultural sites can be arranged. You leave Tanzania with unforgettable memories, incredible photos, and the pride of having reached Africa’s highest peak. Many trekkers find this experience life-changing, as it challenges both body and spirit.
Your guides will see you off, ensuring a smooth departure. As you board your flight, take one last look at Kilimanjaro from above—its snow-capped summit a proud reminder of your achievement.
Price Per Person
Low Season (April, May & November)
Quote for 7 Days Gurumeti River Great Migration Crossing
| GS | PP |
|---|---|
|
2 |
USD 5000 |
|
3 |
USD 5000 |
|
4 |
USD 5000 |
|
5 |
USD 5000 |
|
6 |
USD 5000 |
High Season (Rest of the Year)
Quote for 7 Days Gurumeti River Great Migration Crossing
| GS | PP |
|---|---|
|
2 |
USD 5000 |
|
3 |
USD 5000 |
|
4 |
USD 5000 |
|
5 |
USD 5000 |
|
6 |
USD 5000 |
- Price Includes
Transport as described in the itinerary
Safari activities-unlimited day game drives, nature walks, hiking and walks with local people (where specified), English-speaking driver-guide, expert local guides where necessary
All National Park and Conservancy fees
Accommodation as described in the itinerary (double/twin or triple rooms)
All meals while on safari-breakfasts, lunches (picnic lunch boxes when necessary) and dinners
Bottled drinking water during game drives
Flying Doctor emergency evacuation cover
- Price Excludes
- Entry Visas
- Airport transfers
- Activities cited as “optional” in the itinerary
- Travel Insurance
- Single Room Supplements.
- Personal spending-services or meals not mentioned as included, beverages in hotels, telephone calls and laundry etc.
- Tips/Gratuities (Kenya policy)
- Extra costs incurred as a result of alterations to the original tour plan e.g. different accommodations and services
Related Tours
- 8 Days
- Migration Crossing
Chimpanzee safari in Gombe and Mahale Mountain National
From $ 5400
Tailor Your Journey
Speak with our travel experts to create a personalized itinerary just for you. From safaris to beach escapes, we craft experiences that match your style and schedule.
