Day 1: Nalemoru Gate (1,950m) – Simba Camp (2,625m)

Drive from Moshi or Arusha to Nalemoru Gate near the Kenyan border. Begin trekking through cultivated farmland and pine forest, spotting colobus monkeys and birds along the way. Reach Simba Camp, with views of the plains below.

• Trek time: 3–4 hours

• Vegetation: Rainforest/heath

• Main highlight: Remote forest scenery and wildlife sightings

Day 2: Simba Camp – Second Cave Camp (3,450m)

The trail continues steadily uphill through moorland, with views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields. Stop at Second Cave Camp for acclimatization and rest.

• Trek time: 5–6 hours

• Vegetation: Moorland

• Main highlight: Open terrain and distant summit views

Day 3: Second Cave – Kikelewa Camp (3,630m)

Depart from Second Cave and trek toward the steeper slopes leading to Kikelewa Camp, nestled in a sheltered valley. This is a shorter day, giving your body more time to adjust to the altitude.

• Trek time: 3–4 hours

• Vegetation: Moorland

• Main highlight: Scenic valleys and increasing altitude

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)

Climb steeply to reach a spectacular campsite beneath the jagged Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s second-highest volcano. This is one of the most stunning camps on the mountain.

• Trek time: 4–5 hours

• Vegetation: Alpine desert

• Main highlight: Mawenzi Peak looming overhead and great acclimatization opportunity

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut (4,700m)

Cross the Saddle, a barren stretch between Mawenzi and Kibo. This is a long, gradual ascent to Kibo Hut, your base for the summit push. Rest early for the midnight climb.

• Trek time: 5–6 hours

• Vegetation: Alpine desert

• Main highlight: Vast lunar-like landscape and anticipation of summit night

Day 6: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Start your summit attempt around midnight. Climb slowly in the cold darkness to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! After a short celebration, descend to Kibo Hut, rest briefly, and then continue down to Horombo Hut.

• Trek time: 12–14 hours

• Main highlight: Sunrise over Africa and achieving the summit of Kilimanjaro

Day 7: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate (1,870m) – Return to Moshi/Arusha

Descend through moorland and forest to Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. A vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel for a hot shower and rest.

• Trek time: 5–6 hours

• Main highlight: Final descent and celebratory return