Day 1 Moshi – Nalemoru Gate ( 1990m) – Simba Camp (2625m)

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This section goes through farms, pine trees and into the forest on the mountain slopes.

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Start: Nalemoru Gate (1990m)
Finish:  Simba Camp (2625m)
Altitude: ↑600m
Walking time: 3-4h

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You will have breakfast before all the gear is loaded. It is a long drive – about four hours – to the north side of Kilimanjaro. After registration at Nalemoru Gate, the hike begins. You will walk pass small farms, pine trees and the up into the forest on the mountain slopes. You might be lucky to see the colobus monkeys with extravagant black and white tails. The porters will go in front to set up camp while you will hike at a moderate pace to reach the Simba campsite (2 625m) in about four hours. The tents and some warm washing water will be ready. A warm supper will be served.

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Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

 

Day 2 Simba Camp (2625m) – Kikelewa Camp (3630m)

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The vegetation changes with the altitude and there will be more shrubs and better views of the two peaks and Kenya’s plains.

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Start: Simba Camp (2625m)
Finish: Kikelewa Camp (3630m)
Altitude: ↑1000m
Walking time: 5-6h

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After some hot porridge and eggs you will set off on today’s section. Vegetation is changing and you see more shrubs as you walk through the moorland zone. On a clear day you should see the Kenyan plains and Mawenzi peak. There will be a break at Second Cave (3 450m) where you will stop for lunch before crossing over some ups and downs to reach Kikelewa Camp. Tea is served! The camp has great views. Relax and breathe in the tranquillity of the mountain.

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Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

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Day 3 Kikelewa Camp (3630m) – Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)

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A day of ups and downs with great views and interesting plants.

 

Start: Kikelewa Camp (3630m)
Finish: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)
Altitude: ↑680m
Walking time: 3-4h

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Today you will not see the weird-looking senecias as the landscape change to resemble a rocky moon landscape. If there are no clouds, you will see the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.After about six hours of work you should reach Mawenzi Hut. A small lake nearby freezes over at night so expect the night to be very cold.  Fear not, a hot supper waits.

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Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

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Day 4 Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) – School Hut (4715m)

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Some easy gradual stretches and a tough section crossing the Saddle that links Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

 

Start: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)
Finish: School Hut (4715m) or Kibo Hut (4700m)
Altitude: ↑400m
Walking time: 4-6h

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On a good firm path, you will cross the Saddle today. You will feel the altitude and might experience symptoms of altitude sickness – headache and nausea? Takes lots of fluid and keep going very slowly. You will hear your guide say pole pole – slowly slowly. One last tough section and you will be there. You will camp at School Hut tonight, but not before some dinner and hot chocolate. Get your daypack ready and go to bed early as you will be woken up at around 00:00 to start the final stretch to the summit.

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Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

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Day 5 School Hut (4715m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3700m)

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Summit day with a long cold climb to reach to Gilman’s Point on the crater’s rim. Up to Uhuru for a 360° view. The downhill is long, steep and dusty.

 

Start: School Hut (4715m) or Kibo Hut (4700m)
Finish: Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3700m)
Altitude: ↑11803 ↓2175m
Walking time: 12-14h

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Rise and shine! It will be dark and very cold when you enter the darkness on the way to the top. A row of headlights in front of you will show the way. Take it slow and listen to your guide. The ground will be frozen and you will get very tired, but keep going. After about seven hours you will be standing on the crater’s rim – Gillman’s Point (5 715 m). Warming up in the sun, it is just an hour or two to reach Uhuru peak at 5 895m. You will be standing on the highest mountain in Africa! The return path is almost the same, but now the ground is defrosted and it will be dusty. It will be late morning when you arrive at School Hut. Here you will rest for an hour and have a hot meal. Onwards! The descent continues to Horombo Hut where you will rest for the night.

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Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

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Day 6 Horombo Hut (3700m) – Marangu Gate (1860m) – Moshi

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Today’s decent is easier and the path is better. Descend into the forest.

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Start: Horombo Hut (3700m)
Finish: Marangu Gate (1860m)
Altitude: ↓1860m
Walking time: 5-6h

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Today is the last day on the mountain. The descent to Marangu Gate will take about six hours. Here, the crew will say farewell and the transfer driver will be waiting. At Sal Salinero Hotel, cold drinks will be waiting too. No doubt you will enjoy a shower and a swim before sitting down for supper to celebrate your adventure.

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Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner