Itinerary
Click to expand the various itinerary options for this route. Itineraries indicated as * Recommended * are chosen for their duration, acclimatization and good route profile
Day 1 - Arrival and pre-climb briefing day
Today has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing (time to be confirmed) with your mountain guide. A shared shuttle airport transfer is included from Kilimanjaro International Airport (time and flight to be confirmed) to Moshi.
- Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
- Approx trekking time: None
- Approx trekking distance: None
- Start Altitude: Unknown
- End Altitude: Unknown
- Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
- Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
- Meals included: None
Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages
Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown
Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge
Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, outside of town center
Altitude: Unknown
Day 2 - Moshi town to Rongai gate to Simba (First Cave) Camp
You will be transferred by road from Moshi town (09:00am) to Rongai gate. After registration you begin your trek through the rain forest zone with your guide. The forest thins out quickly on this remote and drier side of the mountain and you reach your camp on the edge of the forest and heather zone near the caves.
- Approx driving distance: 2-3 hours
- Approx trekking time: 4-5 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 8km or 5mi
- Start Altitude: 2020m or 6630ft
- End Altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 2625m or 8610ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +605m or 1980ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Overnight at Simba (First Cave) Camp
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Rainforest, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
Day 3 - Simba (First cave) camp to Third Cave camp
Today’s hike is a little longer and begins with a trek through the heather & moorland zone ascending towards the second group of caves near the Second cave camp where you may have your lunch. From the Second caves, there are two paths; one diverting to the Mawenzi peak and the other straight towards kibo. You take the latter through the grassy terrain until you reach the Third group of caves near your camp for the night.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 9km or 5.5mi
- Start Altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
- End Altitude: 3935m or 12795ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 3935m or 12795ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +1310m or 4185ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at Third Cave Camp
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3935m or 12795ft
Day 4 - Third cave camp to School Hut Camp (or alternatively Kibo Camp)
Your hike today takes you further towards the Kibo cone steadily climbing up and over the edges of the alpine desert journeying on the edges of the Kibo saddle. The relatively short distance today means you have plenty of time at your summit camp to rest and prepare for the summit attempt tonight.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 3-5 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 8km or 5mi
- Start Altitude: 3935m or 12795ft
- End Altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 4715m or 15470ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +780m or 2575ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at School Hut Camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
Day 5 - School Hut Camp to Gilman’s point to Uhuru peak to Horombo Hut Camp
In the early morning (around 00:00am) you begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru peak through the arctic zone. The trek is a steep hike over loose volcanic scree through the dark and cold night and takes a slow pace in a zig-zag pattern towards Gilman’s Point (5681m or 18640ft) which is your first stop on the Kibo crater rim. From here a short (but difficult) hike remains to take you past Stella point (the first stop on the rim for those summiting from Barafu camp / the Southern circuit) and further around till Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19341ft), the highest point in Africa. You usually don’t spend that long at the peak due to the extreme altitude and will descend back down to the base camp for your breakfast / brunch. After your gear is packed up you continue the descent through the alpine desert, heather and moorland where you stop for the night.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 14-18 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 21km or 13mi
- Start Altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
- End Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 5895m or 19431ft (Peak!)
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +1180m or 3961ft / -2195m or -7211ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at Horombo Hut Camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Rainforest, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
Day 6 - Horombo Hut Camp to Marangu gate
Your final day on Kilimanjaro is a descent through the southeastern rain forest zone until Marangu gate where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi town. Usually, the crew will leave you at Marangu gate and it’s a perfect opportunity to say goodbye and a great location to hand your optional tip to the crew as a token of your appreciation.
- Approx driving distance: 1 hour
- Approx trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 17km or 10.5mi
- Start Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
- End Altitude: 1860m or 6100ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 3700m or 12220ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: -1840m or -6120ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch
Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages
Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown
Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge
Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, outside of town center
Altitude: Unknown
Day 7 - Departure day or continue with next activity
Today has no planned activities and is only a departure day for you head home (time and flight to be confirmed), continue with your next tour activity or book extra nights to recover. Speak to a tour consultant for all of your options.
- Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
- Approx trekking time: None
- Approx trekking distance: None
- Start Altitude: Unknown
- End Altitude: Unknown
- Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
- Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
- Meals included: Breakfast
No overnight accommodation included
Day 1 - Arrival and pre-climb briefing day
Today has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing (time to be confirmed) with your mountain guide. A shared shuttle airport transfer is included from Kilimanjaro International Airport (time and flight to be confirmed) to Moshi.
- Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
- Approx trekking time: None
- Approx trekking distance: None
- Start Altitude: Unknown
- End Altitude: Unknown
- Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
- Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
- Meals included: None
Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages
Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown
Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge
Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, outside of town center
Altitude: Unknown
Day 2 - Moshi town to Rongai gate to Simba (First Cave) Camp
You will be transferred by road from Moshi town (09:00am) to Rongai gate. After registration you begin your trek through the rain forest zone with your guide. The forest thins out quickly on this remote and drier side of the mountain and you reach your camp on the edge of the forest and heather zone near the caves.
- Approx driving distance: 2-3 hours
- Approx trekking time: 4-5 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 8km or 5mi
- Start Altitude: 2020m or 6630ft
- End Altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 2625m or 8610ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +605m or 1980ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Overnight at Simba (First Cave) Camp
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Rainforest, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
Day 3 - Simba (First cave) camp to Second Cave camp
Today’s hike takes you further up towards the Kibo cone and into the lower alpine heather & moorland zone through a more barren landscape than the day before and heading towards the second group of caves near the Second cave camp where you will stop for the night. You may venture further up for acclimatization and views of the Kibo cone and Eastern Icefields on the crater rim or rest for the next day.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 3-5 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 4km or 2.5mi
- Start Altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
- End Altitude: 3480m or 11420ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 3480m or 11420ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +855m or 2810ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at Second Cave Camp
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3480m or 11420ft
Day 4 - Second Cave camp to Third Cave camp
Today’s hike is another short hike further through the heather & moorland zone ascending towards the third group of caves near the Third Cave camp. The landscape becomes even more bare at the edge of the alpine zone and You may venture further up for acclimatization and views of the Kibo cone and Eastern Icefields on the crater rim or rest for the next day. Long ago trekkers and crew used to spend nights inside these mountain caves for shelter, which is no longer permitted.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 3-4 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 5km or 3mi
- Start Altitude: 3480m or 11420ft
- End Altitude: 3935m or 12795ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 3935m or 12795ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +455m or 1375ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at Third Cave Camp
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3935m or 12795ft
Day 5 - Third cave camp to School Hut Camp (or alternatively Kibo Camp)
Your hike today takes you further towards the Kibo cone steadily climbing up and over the edges of the alpine desert journeying on the edges of the Kibo saddle. The relatively short distance today means you have plenty of time at your summit camp to rest and prepare for the summit attempt tonight.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 3-5 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 8km or 5mi
- Start Altitude: 3935m or 12795ft
- End Altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 4715m or 15470ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +780m or 2575ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at School Hut Camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
Day 6 - School Hut Camp to Gilman’s point to Uhuru peak to Horombo Hut Camp
In the early morning (around 00:00am) you begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru peak through the arctic zone. The trek is a steep hike over loose volcanic scree through the dark and cold night and takes a slow pace in a zig-zag pattern towards Gilman’s Point (5681m or 18640ft) which is your first stop on the Kibo crater rim. From here a short (but difficult) hike remains to take you past Stella point (the first stop on the rim for those summiting from Barafu camp / the Southern circuit) and further around till Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19341ft), the highest point in Africa. You usually don’t spend that long at the peak due to the extreme altitude and will descend back down to the base camp for your breakfast / brunch. After your gear is packed up you continue the descent through the alpine desert, heather and moorland where you stop for the night.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 14-18 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 21km or 13mi
- Start Altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
- End Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 5895m or 19431ft (Peak!)
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +1180m or 3961ft / -2195m or -7211ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at Horombo Hut Camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Rainforest, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
Day 7 - Horombo Hut Camp to Marangu gate
Your final day on Kilimanjaro is a descent through the southeastern rain forest zone until Marangu gate where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi town. Usually, the crew will leave you at Marangu gate and it’s a perfect opportunity to say goodbye and a great location to hand your optional tip to the crew as a token of your appreciation.
- Approx driving distance: 1 hour
- Approx trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 17km or 10.5mi
- Start Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
- End Altitude: 1860m or 6100ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 3700m or 12220ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: -1840m or -6120ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch
Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages
Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown
Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge
Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, outside of town center
Altitude: Unknown
Day 8 - Departure day or continue with next activity
Today has no planned activities and is only a departure day for you head home (time and flight to be confirmed), continue with your next tour activity or book extra nights to recover. Speak to a tour consultant for all of your options.
- Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
- Approx trekking time: None
- Approx trekking distance: None
- Start Altitude: Unknown
- End Altitude: Unknown
- Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
- Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
- Meals included: Breakfast
No overnight accommodation included
Day 1 - Arrival and pre-climb briefing day
Today has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing (time to be confirmed) with your mountain guide. A shared shuttle airport transfer is included from Kilimanjaro International Airport (time and flight to be confirmed) to Moshi.
- Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
- Approx trekking time: None
- Approx trekking distance: None
- Start Altitude: Unknown
- End Altitude: Unknown
- Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
- Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
- Meals included: None
Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages
Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown
Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge
Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, outside of town center
Altitude: Unknown
Day 2 - Moshi town to Rongai gate to Simba (First Cave) Camp
You will be transferred by road from Moshi town (09:00am) to Rongai gate. After registration you begin your trek through the rain forest zone with your guide. The forest thins out quickly on this remote and drier side of the mountain and you reach your camp on the edge of the forest and heather zone near the caves.
- Approx driving distance: 2-3 hours
- Approx trekking time: 4-5 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 8km or 5mi
- Start Altitude: 2020m or 6630ft
- End Altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 2625m or 8610ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +605m or 1980ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Overnight at Simba (First Cave) Camp
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Rainforest, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
Day 3 - Simba (First cave) Camp to Kikelelwa Cave Camp
Today’s hike takes you further up towards the Kibo cone and into the lower alpine heather & moorland zone through a more barren landscape than the day before and heading past the second group of caves near the Second cave camp where you may stop for lunch. From the second group of caves you divert south east heading towards the jagged Mawenzi peaks. You stop near the Kikelelwa caves for your nights camp.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 7-9 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 12km / 7.5mi
- Start Altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
- End Altitude: 3630m or 11910ft
- Highest Altitude reached: +1005m or 3300ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +855m or 2810ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at Kikelewa Cave Camp
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3630m or 11910ft
Day 4 - Kikelelwa Cave Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Today’s hike is a short and steep one through a grassy slope and into the alpine desert. You continue your movement south-east towards the Mawenzi cone where the landscape dramatically changes. Your camp for tonight is inside of the Mawenzi ridge and near the tarn lake. You can also optionally venture out further with your guide for acclimatization walks.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 5km / 3mi
- Start Altitude: 3630m or 11910ft
- End Altitude: 4310m or 14140ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 4390m or 14400ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +760m or +2490ft / -80m or -260ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4310m or 14140ft
Day 5 - Mawenzi Tarn Camp to School Hut Camp (or alternatively Kibo Camp)
Your hike today takes you back towards the Kibo cone steadily climbing up and over the edges of the alpine desert journeying through the ‘saddle’ between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The environment becomes more barren and air thinner as you ascend to your base camp where you will rest for the summit journey starting tonight.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 4-5 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 8km or 5mi
- Start Altitude: 4310m or 14140ft
- End Altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 4715m or 15470ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +405m or +1330ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at School Hut Camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
Day 6 - School Hut Camp to Gilman’s point to Uhuru peak to Horombo Hut Camp
In the early morning (around 00:00am) you begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru peak through the arctic zone. The trek is a steep hike over loose volcanic scree through the dark and cold night and takes a slow pace in a zig-zag pattern towards Gilman’s Point (5681m or 18640ft) which is your first stop on the Kibo crater rim. From here a short (but difficult) hike remains to take you past Stella point (the first stop on the rim for those summiting from Barafu camp / the Southern circuit) and further around till Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19341ft), the highest point in Africa. You usually don’t spend that long at the peak due to the extreme altitude and will descend back down to the base camp for your breakfast / brunch. After your gear is packed up you continue the descent through the alpine desert, heather and moorland where you stop for the night.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 14-18 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 21km or 13mi
- Start Altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
- End Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 5895m or 19431ft (Peak!)
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +1180m or 3961ft / -2195m or -7211ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at Horombo Hut Camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Rainforest, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
Day 7 - Horombo Hut Camp to Marangu gate
Your final day on Kilimanjaro is a descent through the southeastern rain forest zone until Marangu gate where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi town. Usually, the crew will leave you at Marangu gate and it’s a perfect opportunity to say goodbye and a great location to hand your optional tip to the crew as a token of your appreciation.
- Approx driving distance: 1 hour
- Approx trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 17km or 10.5mi
- Start Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
- End Altitude: 1860m or 6100ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 3700m or 12220ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: -1840m or -6120ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch
Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages
Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown
Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge
Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, outside of town center
Altitude: Unknown
Day 8 - Departure day or continue with next activity
Today has no planned activities and is only a departure day for you head home (time and flight to be confirmed), continue with your next tour activity or book extra nights to recover. Speak to a tour consultant for all of your options.
- Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
- Approx trekking time: None
- Approx trekking distance: None
- Start Altitude: Unknown
- End Altitude: Unknown
- Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
- Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
- Meals included: Breakfast
No overnight accommodation included
Day 1 - Arrival and pre-climb briefing day
Today has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing (time to be confirmed) with your mountain guide. A shared shuttle airport transfer is included from Kilimanjaro International Airport (time and flight to be confirmed) to Moshi.
- Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
- Approx trekking time: None
- Approx trekking distance: None
- Start Altitude: Unknown
- End Altitude: Unknown
- Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
- Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
- Meals included: None
Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages
Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown
Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge
Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, outside of town center
Altitude: Unknown
Day 2 - Moshi town to Rongai gate to Simba (First Cave) Camp
You will be transferred by road from Moshi town (09:00am) to Rongai gate. After registration you begin your trek through the rain forest zone with your guide. The forest thins out quickly on this remote and drier side of the mountain and you reach your camp on the edge of the forest and heather zone near the caves.
- Approx driving distance: 2-3 hours
- Approx trekking time: 4-5 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 8km or 5mi
- Start Altitude: 2020m or 6630ft
- End Altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 2625m or 8610ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +605m or 1980ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Overnight at Simba (First Cave) Camp
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Rainforest, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
Day 3 - Simba (First cave) camp to Second Cave camp
Today’s hike takes you further up towards the Kibo cone and into the lower alpine heather & moorland zone through a more barren landscape than the day before and heading towards the second group of caves near the Second cave camp where you will stop for the night. You may venture further up for acclimatization and views of the Kibo cone and Eastern Icefields on the crater rim or rest for the next day.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 3-5 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 8km or 5mi
- Start Altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
- End Altitude: 3480m or 11420ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 3480m or 11420ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +855m or 2810ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at Second Cave Camp
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3480m or 11420ft
Day 4 - Second Cave Camp to Kikelelwa Cave Camp
Today’s hike takes you further through the heather & moorland zone diverting towards the third peak of Kilimanjaro (Mawenzi) on the south easy of the massif and one that is rarely climbed. The landscape changes from the morning and you stop near the Kikelelwa caves for your nights camp.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 3-5 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 8km or 5mi
- Start Altitude: 3480m or 11420ft
- End Altitude: 3630m or 11910ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 3630m or 11910ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +150m or +500ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at Third Cave Camp
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3935m or 12795ft
Day 5 - Kikelelwa Cave Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Today’s hike is a short and steep one through a grassy slope and into the alpine desert. You continue your movement south-east towards the Mawenzi cone where the landscape dramatically changes. Your camp for tonight is inside of the Mawenzi ridge and near the tarn lake. You can also optionally venture out further with your guide for acclimatization walks.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 5km / 3mi
- Start Altitude: 3630m or 11910ft
- End Altitude: 4310m or 14140ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 4390m or 14400ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +760m or +2490ft / -80m or -260ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4310m or 14140ft
Day 6 - Mawenzi Tarn Camp to School Hut Camp (or alternatively Kibo Camp)
Your hike today takes you back towards the Kibo cone steadily climbing up and over the edges of the alpine desert journeying through the ‘saddle’ between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The environment becomes more barren and air thinner as you ascend to your base camp where you will rest for the summit journey starting tonight.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 4-5 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 8km or 5mi
- Start Altitude: 4310m or 14140ft
- End Altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 4715m or 15470ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +405m or +1330ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at School Hut Camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
Day 7 - School Hut Camp to Gilman’s point to Uhuru peak to Horombo Hut Camp
In the early morning (around 00:00am) you begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru peak through the arctic zone. The trek is a steep hike over loose volcanic scree through the dark and cold night and takes a slow pace in a zig-zag pattern towards Gilman’s Point (5681m or 18640ft) which is your first stop on the Kibo crater rim. From here a short (but difficult) hike remains to take you past Stella point (the first stop on the rim for those summiting from Barafu camp / the Southern circuit) and further around till Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19341ft), the highest point in Africa. You usually don’t spend that long at the peak due to the extreme altitude and will descend back down to the base camp for your breakfast / brunch. After your gear is packed up you continue the descent through the alpine desert, heather and moorland where you stop for the night.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 14-18 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 21km or 13mi
- Start Altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
- End Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 5895m or 19431ft (Peak!)
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +1180m or 3961ft / -2195m or -7211ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at Horombo Hut Camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Rainforest, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
Day 8 - Horombo Hut Camp to Marangu gate
Your final day on Kilimanjaro is a descent through the southeastern rain forest zone until Marangu gate where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi town. Usually, the crew will leave you at Marangu gate and it’s a perfect opportunity to say goodbye and a great location to hand your optional tip to the crew as a token of your appreciation.
- Approx driving distance: 1 hour
- Approx trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 17km or 10.5mi
- Start Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
- End Altitude: 1860m or 6100ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 3700m or 12220ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: -1840m or -6120ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch
Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages
Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown
Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge
Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, outside of town center
Altitude: Unknown
Day 9 - Departure day or continue with next activity
Today has no planned activities and is only a departure day for you head home (time and flight to be confirmed), continue with your next tour activity or book extra nights to recover. Speak to a tour consultant for all of your options.
- Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
- Approx trekking time: None
- Approx trekking distance: None
- Start Altitude: Unknown
- End Altitude: Unknown
- Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
- Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
- Meals included: Breakfast
No overnight accommodation included
Day 1 - Arrival and pre-climb briefing day
Today has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing (time to be confirmed) with your mountain guide. A shared shuttle airport transfer is included from Kilimanjaro International Airport (time and flight to be confirmed) to Moshi.
- Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
- Approx trekking time: None
- Approx trekking distance: None
- Start Altitude: Unknown
- End Altitude: Unknown
- Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
- Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
- Meals included: None
Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages
Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown
Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge
Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, outside of town center
Altitude: Unknown
Day 2 - Moshi town to Rongai gate to Simba (First Cave) Camp
You will be transferred by road from Moshi town (09:00am) to Rongai gate. After registration you begin your trek through the rain forest zone with your guide. The forest thins out quickly on this remote and drier side of the mountain and you reach your camp on the edge of the forest and heather zone near the caves.
- Approx driving distance: 2-3 hours
- Approx trekking time: 4-5 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 8km or 5mi
- Start Altitude: 2020m or 6630ft
- End Altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 2625m or 8610ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +605m or 1980ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Overnight at Simba (First Cave) Camp
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Rainforest, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
Day 3 - Simba (First cave) Camp to Kikelelwa Cave Camp
Today’s hike takes you further up towards the Kibo cone and into the lower alpine heather & moorland zone through a more barren landscape than the day before and heading past the second group of caves near the Second cave camp where you may stop for lunch. From the second group of caves you divert south east heading towards the jagged Mawenzi peaks. You stop near the Kikelelwa caves for your nights camp.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 7-9 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 12km / 7.5mi
- Start Altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
- End Altitude: 3630m or 11910ft
- Highest Altitude reached: +1005m or 3300ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +855m or 2810ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at Kikelewa Cave Camp
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3630m or 11910ft
Day 4 - Kikelelwa Cave Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Today’s hike is a short and steep one through a grassy slope and into the alpine desert. You continue your movement south-east towards the Mawenzi cone where the landscape dramatically changes. Your camp for tonight is inside of the Mawenzi ridge and near the tarn lake. You can also optionally venture out further with your guide for acclimatization walks.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 5km / 3mi
- Start Altitude: 3630m or 11910ft
- End Altitude: 4310m or 14140ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 4390m or 14400ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +760m or +2490ft / -80m or -260ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4310m or 14140ft
Day 5 - Mawenzi Tarn Camp (acclimatization day)
Today is an extra accliamtisation day in the alpine desert at the base of the Mawenzi peak and will take you for a walk in the area and up to a higher point at the Mawenzi ridge before descending back down to camp again. This day helps you acclimatize further and rest before the summit days ahead.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 3-4 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 3km or 2mi
- Start Altitude: 4310m or 14140ft
- End Altitude: 4310m or 14140ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 4390m or 14400ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +80m or +260ft / -80m or -260ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4310m or 14140ft
Day 6 - Mawenzi Tarn Camp to School Hut Camp (or alternatively Kibo Camp)
Your hike today takes you back towards the Kibo cone steadily climbing up and over the edges of the alpine desert journeying through the ‘saddle’ between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The environment becomes more barren and air thinner as you ascend to your base camp where you will rest for the summit journey starting tonight.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 4-5 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 8km or 5mi
- Start Altitude: 4310m or 14140ft
- End Altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 4715m or 15470ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +405m or +1330ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at School Hut Camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
Day 7 - School Hut Camp to Gilman’s point to Uhuru peak to Horombo Hut Camp
In the early morning (around 00:00am) you begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru peak through the arctic zone. The trek is a steep hike over loose volcanic scree through the dark and cold night and takes a slow pace in a zig-zag pattern towards Gilman’s Point (5681m or 18640ft) which is your first stop on the Kibo crater rim. From here a short (but difficult) hike remains to take you past Stella point (the first stop on the rim for those summiting from Barafu camp / the Southern circuit) and further around till Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19341ft), the highest point in Africa. You usually don’t spend that long at the peak due to the extreme altitude and will descend back down to the base camp for your breakfast / brunch. After your gear is packed up you continue the descent through the alpine desert, heather and moorland where you stop for the night.
- Approx driving distance: None
- Approx trekking time: 14-18 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 21km or 13mi
- Start Altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
- End Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 5895m or 19431ft (Peak!)
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +1180m or 3961ft / -2195m or -7211ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Overnight at Horombo Hut Camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Rainforest, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
Day 8 - Horombo Hut Camp to Marangu gate
Your final day on Kilimanjaro is a descent through the southeastern rain forest zone until Marangu gate where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi town. Usually, the crew will leave you at Marangu gate and it’s a perfect opportunity to say goodbye and a great location to hand your optional tip to the crew as a token of your appreciation.
- Approx driving distance: 1 hour
- Approx trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 17km or 10.5mi
- Start Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
- End Altitude: 1860m or 6100ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 3700m or 12220ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: -1840m or -6120ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch
Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages
Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown
Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge
Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, outside of town center
Altitude: Unknown
Day 9 - Departure day or continue with next activity
Today has no planned activities and is only a departure day for you head home (time and flight to be confirmed), continue with your next tour activity or book extra nights to recover. Speak to a tour consultant for all of your options.
- Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
- Approx trekking time: None
- Approx trekking distance: None
- Start Altitude: Unknown
- End Altitude: Unknown
- Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
- Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
- Meals included: Breakfast
No overnight accommodation included
Price, includes, add-ons and excludes
Prices depend on your group size, exact route chosen, dates of travel and much more. Please contact our sales team for a tailor made quote! You can see our standard includes, optional extras / add-ons / comfort upgrades and standard excludes below.
Standard packages usually include
- All taxes and VAT applicable
- 1 night(s) before the climb at a pre climb lodge in Moshi on bed and breakfast basis
- 1 night(s) after the climb at a post climb lodge in Moshi on bed and breakfast basis
- All National Park conservation, park entry, camping and rescue fees for applicable
- Trained, certified, and experienced English-speaking Mountain guide/s
- 1 x luggage porter carrying personal luggage of 15kg per person max
- Specialist tent crew and luggage porters to service and set-up campsites and carry all camping equipment and food provisions.
- Four season mountain tent (sharing, or single for 1 person groups), chairs, tables, dedicated group dining tent
- Trained and experienced personal mountain cook and waiter porter
- All meals on the mountain and eating utensils and cutlery
- Pre-climb briefing and equipment check with the guide in Moshi
- 1 x transfer from a Moshi based lodge to park gates per group including crew transfer for remote gate (Rongai or Lemosho gates)
- 1 x transfer from park gates to a Moshi based lodge per group
- Luggage storage while on trek
- Boiled drinking water on trek (from 1st camp onwards)
- Twice daily health checks with guides and a high-grade medical oximeter
- 1 Emergency oxygen cylinder per group and first aid kit
- Hand washing station, sanitizers, and small personal wash basin
- Shared public toilet facilities at public campsites
- 1 x approx. 100Ltr rubberized hold all bag / packsack for personal duffel bag
- Basic sleeping mattress per person
Optional extras, add-ons and comfort upgrades
- Extra Pre climb or post climb accommodation
- Single tent (if not already indicated as included)
- Additional emergency oxygen cylinders
- Comfort upgrades such as a portable toilet, foldable bed, larger tent, upgraded menu, celebration items etc.
- Shared or private airport / non-group gate transfers and out of Moshi transfers
- Domestic flights
- One day trips
- Flying Doctors Emergency Evacuation membership
- Extra guides or porters
- Personal mountain equipment such as sleeping bags, walking poles, duffel bags etc.
- Pre-included tip / fair living wage salary
- Extra days on the mountain
Standard packages usually exclude
- Tips / gratuities
- Beverages such as soft drinks, alcohol etc.
- International flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Items of a personal nature
- Water on first day of trek
- Metal & hard plastic water bottles, water bladders etc. (note: soft plastics are not permitted on the mountain)
KPAP and fair treatment of your crew
The exploitation and mistreatment of porters can be a troubling challenge in the climbing industry. By climbing with us - a qualified KPAP Partner company - you can be assured that your porters are well taken care of.
An 'undercover' KPAP porter monitors us on each and every Kilimanjaro trek.
- Porters and crew are paid at least a fair minimum wage agreed with their unions.
- Salaries are all paid within 2 working days from the descent of a climb.
- Transparent tipping procedures to ensure porters receive the full tip intended for them.
- Fair tipping recommendations for both the climber and crew.
- Loads carried by our porters do not exceed 20kg of company gear.
- Porters are provided with three meals per day on the mountain.
- Crew are provided with proper shelter and sleeping dedicated for them.
- Equal climbing opportunities to all porters registered with our company
- We inspect crew gear each trek to ensure proper kit is taken for a safe trek.
- Transport for crew is provided to remote gates (Rongai / Lemosho).
The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project independently monitors everyone of our treks for fair treatment standards to ensure unbiased reporting of our treks and the best working conditions for your crew. Click to read more.
When to visit
These recommendations are based on weather patterns and trends. Mountains are extremely unpredictable and we always recommend you to be prepared for any weather outcome regardless of the predicted season.
Excellent time
January, February, July, August, September, October
Within our predicted dry season, these months generally have dry conditions and good mountain weather making the trek more achievable. These are also the busiest months and you may find all routes are busy in this period.
Good time
March, June, November, December
These months generally are between our dry season and wet season where conditions are generally dry on the mountain however you may still experience some rain. These are generally great months for those looking to avoid the crowds as most will travel in the excellent time above.
Mixed time
April, May
Our predicted 'long rain' season in Tanzania where the chances of rain are high and downpours can be heavy (tropical!) and make trekking very difficult. For a seasoned mountaineer this can be a great time to avoid all of the crowds who usually skip these months.
Other routes
If this isn't the right route for you, some of the below are alternative routes to consider.
Combine with
This package is usually combined with one of the below. We can also tailor a custom itinerary combining any of our packages for you.
Planning a trek
Need some help planning a Kilimanjaro trek?
Please visit our dedicated section below to find out more about private or group treks, when to climb, getting to Kilimanjaro / Tanzania, visas, documents, choosing a route, training for your climb, health and vaccines, Kilimanjaro packing list, hiking boots, rental equipment, tipping, insurance, money:
What to expect
Want to find out more about what to expect from a Kilimanjaro trek with Shah Tours?
Please visit our dedicated section below to find out more about your mountain crew, safety on the mountain, AMS and mountain sickness, food, drink, equipment, comfort upgrades, toilets and bathrooms, emergency oxygen, communicating on the trek, weather, park rules and luggage:
Why us
Why choose Shah Tours for your Kilimanjaro trek?
As one of Kilimanjaro's oldest and longest serving Kilimanjaro operators, we are one of the best providing: 35+ years experience, family owned and operated, high quality equipment and fleet, responsible and externally monitored, superior & experienced guides, safe, secure and reliable with over 2000+ happy clients each year:
FAQs and blog
Didn't find the information you need on this page?
Explore our blog with: preparation guides, frequently asked questions, interesting articles and more: