Discover, Plan & Go!

"DAY 1 : ARUSHA AND MOSHI Transfer from Nairobi by shuttle bus to Arusha (pickup will be at your hotel about 7:30 am), where you will meet with other climbers for lunch and a briefing. After lunch, drive approximately two and a half hours to the town of Moshi and the Marangu Hotel. This will be the starting point of your Kilimanjaro climb. [Meals on your own] Campsites along the Rongai route are comfortable, less crowded and scenic. DAY 2 : RONGAI CAMP Altitude: 6,396' to 8,530'; Hiking time: 3 hours. Register at the Marangu park gate and transfer by Land Rover (approximately two and a half hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your climbing staff and begin hiking from the village of Nale Moru. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, then climbs gently through a forest sheltering a variety of wildlife, including the Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. Our campsite is on the edge of the moorland zone with expansive views of the Kenyan plains. [BLD] DAY 3 : KIKELEWA CAVES Kikelewa Caves Altitude: 8,530' to 11,320'; Hiking time: 6-7 hours. Challenging ascent to the ""Second Cave"" where you will relax and take lunch with superb views of Kibo and the ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch proceed towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, where we camp in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves. [BLD] Dawn illuminates the snows of Uhuru Peak. DAY 4 : MAWENZI TARN Altitude: 11,320' to 14,210'; Hiking time: 3-4 hours. A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before we reach our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area. [BLD] DAY 5 : KIBO CAMPSITE Altitude: 14,210' to 15,580'; Hiking time: 4-5 hours. We cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Campsite. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent. [BLD] Guides and trekkers celebrate after reaching the crater rim at Gilman's Point. DAY 6 : FINAL ASCENT-HOROMBO CAMP Altitude: 15,580' to 18,650' (Gillman's Point) to 19,340' (summit) then down to 12,200'; Hiking time: 12-16 hours. Begin the final, steepest and most difficult part of the ascent at 1:00am. Hike slowly on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point. Rest for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. For those who feel strong enough, continue (3 hrs roundtrip) to Uhuru Peak passing close to spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs in the summit area. Descend to Kibo for lunch and a rest then continue down the Marangu route to our Horombo Camp. [BLD] DAY 7 : DESCENT TO MARANGU Altitude: 12,200' to 6,250'; Hiking time: 5-6 hours. Descend steadily through the moorland, past Mandara Hut and through a lush rain forest to the Marangu park gate. Dinner and overnight at the Marangu Hotel. [BLD] DAY 8 : DEPART FOR USA OR BEGIN EXTENSION Transfer to Arusha and international airport or join the shuttle bus departure to Nairobi. You may also begin your safari or coast extension. [B] "