Day 1: Nale Muru – Simba Camp
The adventure beings with the drive through villages and coffee plantations to the remarkable wooden village of Nale Moru. On the northeast side of the mountain where you meet the porters. The first part of the trail leads through moist rainforest, which quickly becomes lighter on the dry north side. Soon you will reach the heather zone. Overnight in the First Cave Camp (Simba Camp) in the tent at about 9,300 ft altitude. Simba Camp is located close to First Cave, with a magnificent view out over the plains of Kenya. Hiking: 4-5 hours Overnight Altitude: ~9,300′

Day 2: Simba Camp – Second Cave
Today’s stage begins in the morning with a steady climb up to Second Cave. The route takes in a long stretch of heath, distinguished 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 you will leave the main trail and continue along a narrower path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. You will finally reach ‘Second Cave’, which is located in a sheltered valley close to Kikelewa Caves and surrounded by giant senecio plants. Hiking: 3-4 hours Overnight Altitude: ~11,300′

Day 3: Second Cave – Third Cave
This day has been set aside for acclimatization, to improve your chances of reaching the summit, and reduce the risk of your suffering the effects of altitude sickness. Spend the morning relaxing and simply enjoying the surroundings. Around lunchtime, it is time to leave the camp and make your way across the heath, following a narrow path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi and Third Cave. Hiking: 3-4 hours Overnight Altitude: ~11,811

Day 4: Third Cave – Mawenzi Tarn Hut
Today’s stage takes you to Mawenzi Tarn Hut. Following a short but steep climb up grassy mountainside, you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view as your reward. The heathland gives way to rocky highlands, littered with large and small volcanic boulders that testify to a previous period of volcanic activity. After a couple more hours on the trail, you will reach the site of your overnight accommodation, which enjoys a spectacular location, nestling in a valley between the towering spires of Mawenzi. Hiking: 4-5 hours Overnight Altitude: ~14,160′

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Kibo Huts
You will now find yourself walking through the almost lunar landscape that is known as ‘The Saddle’ and links Mawenzi and Kibo. On arrival at Kibo Huts, located at the foot of the Kibo crater wall, it is time to ready your equipment and warm clothes for the next day’s trek to the peak. Make sure to store your drinking water in a Thermos to prevent it freezing solid. Then spend the rest of the day relaxing and go to bed early to ensure your ‘human batteries’ are fully charged for Kilimanjaro’s ultimate challenge. Hiking: 6-8 hours Overnight Altitude: ~15,430′

Day 6: Kibo Huts – Gilman’s Point – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Huts
Around midnight, you will have a light meal before starting the ascent. The loose-stone terrain is challenging. Reach Gilman’s Point by dawn, then continue to Uhuru Peak shortly after sunrise. After enjoying the view at Gilman’s Point, traverse the crater rim to Uhuru. The final stretch has a steady incline, and you may encounter snow. At Uhuru Peak (5,895 masl), celebrate reaching the highest point in Africa. After photos, descend to Kibo Huts for lunch, then continue to Horombo Huts for rest. The descent totals 4-5 hours, with an overnight altitude of approximately 12,205 feet.

Day 7: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Arusha
We make the final descent through the rain forest to Marangu Gate. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Drive back to Arusha for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner. Hiking: 5-7 hours Overnight Altitude: ~1,843.

The Kilimanjaro Climbing Rongai Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is a less crowded, scenic trek starting from the northern side near the Kenyan border. It offers a gradual ascent, which helps with acclimatization, and passes through diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts, before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak. This route is ideal for those seeking a quieter climb with stunning views and a unique perspective on Africa’s highest mountain.