Start: Nalemuru Gate (1,990 m)
Finish: First Cave Camp (Simba) (2,625 m)
Distance: 8 km
Walking Time: 4 to 6 hours
Climate Zone: montane forest
Highest altitude: 2,625 m

Transfer from your hotel on a picturesque drive through rural Chagga villages to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. After the park formalities are completed at Nalemuru gate (often also referred to as Rongai gate), you will start your trek through the forest zone. The forest might not be as memorable as those on the southern and western slopes, but you will see that on your way back. You soon reach the edge of the moorland zone with overnight on the shared campsite First Cave.

Start: First Cave Camp (Simba) (2,625 m)
Finish: Kikelewa Camp (3,630 m)
Distance: 12 km
Walking Time: 6 to 8 hours
Climate Zone: heather and moorland
Highest altitude: 3,630 m

After breakfast you follow an increasingly steep trail through the moorland and heather zone. You will reach the Second Cave in time for lunch. We follow a smaller, but physically more demanding path with a few rocky sections. However, it is a quite enjoyable trek with splendid views towards the peaks Mawenzi and Kibo as well as the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. Proceed your journey to the shared campsite Kikelewa.

Start: Kikelewa Camp (3,630 m)
Finish: Mawenzi Tarn (4,310 m)
Distance: 5 km
Walking Time: 3 to 4 hours
Climate Zone: alpine desert
Highest altitude: 4,310 m

Today you follow a short but steep trail to the shared campsite of Mawenzi Tarn. As you leave the heather and moorland zone and emerge into the alpine desert zone, the landscape is changing dramatically. Arrival at the camp in time for lunch. The Mawenzi Tarn campsite is located right underneath the sharp peak of Mawenzi. The rest of the day is dedicated to relaxation or if you like you can explore the area on a short walk.

Start: Mawenzi Tarn (4,310 m)
Finish: Mawenzi Tarn (4,310 m)
Distance: 4 km
Walking Time: 3 to 4 hours
Highest altitude: 4,390 m

Today’s day is designated as acclimatization day and a must for us! Several paths lead up towards Mawenzi Ridge and you will be rewarded with splendid views onto Kibo peak. Return to your campsite for lunch and time to rest.

Start: Mawenzi Tarn (4,310 m)
Finish: Kibo Camp (4,700 m)
Distance: 9 km
Walking Time: 4 to 6 hours
Climate Zone: alpine desert
Highest altitude: 4,700 m

After breakfast you gradually proceed your trek across the “Saddle”. The saddle is a lunar-like volcanic desert between the peaks Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape of the saddle is like nothing you have ever seen before and you might grasp a look onto some everlasting flowers. Shortly before you reach Kibo Camp you will be joining the path with climbers from the Marangu route. You will have an early dinner and head to bed afterwards for your summit attempt at midnight.

Start: Kibo Camp (4,700 m)
Finish: Horombo Camp (3,700 m)
Distance: 21 km
Walking Time: 14 to 16 hours
Climate Zone: arctic (stone scree and ice-capped summit)
Highest altitude: 5,895 m

Around midnight you start your trek to the summit. Reaching the summit is the hardest part of your trek – both mentally and physically. The weather at this height can be extreme. Our motto remains “Pole, Pole” – one tiny little step after the other! The route takes you on a rock terrain to Hans Meyer Point at 5,250 m and then zigzags towards Gilman’s Point at 5,681 m. From here it is another 200 m in height to Uhuru Peak.

If you feel strong enough to continue, it is a three-hour round trip along the crater rim to the highest point of Africa. Finally, you reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. Congratulations – there are no words to describe the feeling of reaching the top of Mount Kiliamanjaro! After a few moments, you will descent via Kibo Camp down to Horombo Camp for dinner and overnight. To avoid injury on your way down, pay close attention to where you put your feet.

Start: Horombo Camp (3,700 m)
Finish: Marangu Gate (1,860 m)
Distance: 17 km
Walking Time: 5 to 7 hours
Climate Zone: montane forest

This is your final day on the mountain. After breakfast you continue your descent onto Marangu Gate. Your driver/guide will transfer you back to your lodge for a well-earned shower and rest.