Kilimanjaro National Park

Rongai Gate (2,020m/6,627ft) to Simba Camp (2,600m/8,530ft) Hiking distance: 6km Hiking time: 3–4hrs Habitat: Montane Forest You depart Arusha for Nalemuru Gate, which takes about 5hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Upon arrival at trailhead, you eat lunch, and then commence through wide path winding through fields of maize and potatoes, prior to entering pine forest that is home a various wildlife species. As the forest begins to thin out, you enter the first camp at the edge of the moorland zone (2,625m/8,612ft). This location ghastly extensive view of the Kenyan plains.

Kilimanjaro National Park

Simba Camp (2,600m/8,530ft) to Second Cave (3,450/11,319ft) to Third Cave (3,800m/12,467ft) Hiking distance: 13km Hiking Time: 9-10hrs Habitat: Moorland You continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As you ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the first Cave, then second Cave for hot lunch before proceeding to third Cave. The view of Kibo Peak is amazing.

Kilimanjaro National Park

Third Cave (3800m/12,467) – Kibo Camp (4,720m/14,930ft) Hiking Distance: 12km Hiking Time: 6-7hrs Habitat: Alpine Desert The steady ascend continues, soon reaching the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo. You should reach Kibo Camp at elevation of 4,720 by midday. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final rewarding ascent the following day.

Kilimanjaro National Park

Hiking Distance: 16.5km Hiking Time: 11hrs up and down Habitat: Ice Cap A very early start as you set off by the light of our head-torches, on a zigzag trail on rough volcanic scree. It is a tough 5 to 6hrs climb of almost 1000 Meter to the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685m), which is a convenient point to rest and watch the sunrise on Mawenzi. It is a further 2-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa. Usually in the early morning, the conditions are clear and there are panoramic views over the crater, to Mawenzi and Mount Meru (4565m), looking very small below us. This part of the route takes us through a moonscape of volcanic rock and remnant glaciers with their impressive ice cliffs. After admiring the summit views and taking the obligatory summit photos we pat ourselves on the back for this awesome Achievement. you then retrace your path around the crater rim you make a rapid descent to the Kibo Hut (4700m).

Kilimanjaro National Park

Horombo Camp (3,720m/12,205ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,906ft) Hiking Distance: 19km Hiking Time: 6-7hrs Habitat: Montane forest As you descend from Horombo, you begin to encounter more vegetation and the lower part of the route is through pine forest. We pass the traditional first camping place on the Marangu Route at the Mandara Huts and continue our descent to the Marangu Gate (1800m). You will say fond farewell to our trusty guide, staff and the porters who have helped us during the past week and pick up our certificates of ascent, you will have Lunch with our Mountain Crew before transfer to our hotel. For the climbers who do have a flight to catch, we will drive back to our office in Arusha for quick shower and short rest before you are transferred to the respective airport for your inbound or outbound flight.