10 Days / 9 Nights  ·  7 Days on the Mountain

Summary
Starting from the drier north side of Kilimanjaro at the village of Nalemoru near the Kenya border, this less traveled trail allows discriminating trekkers to distance themselves from the busier routes on the lower elevations, offers a great variety of fabulous vistas that most climbers never get to see, and the possibility of observing wildlife at a safe distance. The route passes through lush farmland and pine and cypress forests before ascending into the rainforest where you may see troupes of black and white colobus monkeys. In the higher moorland zone we enjoy views of the Kenyan plains rich with game. The final ascent passes the Hans Meyer Cave and reaches the crater rim at Gillman’s Point before following the rim path to the summit at Uhuru Peak.

Printer-friendly Itinerary | Schedule: Rongai Route | Schedule: All Routes | Prices

---

Day 1: Arrival/Mbahe Village Farm Houses
Your trip leader will pick you up upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and bring you to Mbahe Village, lo­cated in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, approximately 2 hours from the airport. Accommodations are in SENE’s private cottages at Simon Mtuy’s Mbahe Village Farm.  

Day 2: Mbahe Village Farm Houses (6,000')
You have the morning to rest and relax. Enjoy delicious “homebrew” coffee, grown and roasted on the farm, and meals made with fruits and vegetables from the garden. Your trip leader will provide a climb orientation and equipment check. This is also a day to take a guided tour around Mbahe Village, the Mtuy family farm, and to swim in the river and waterfall running through Simon’s land. We all gather together for dinner to discuss final details and anticipate the start of the climb tomorrow. B.L.D.

Day 3: Loitokitok Gate (6,560') to First Cave Camp (8,700'), 3.9 miles
After breakfast we drive in a counterclockwise direction around the eastern flank of Kilimanjaro through Chagga villages that cling to the mountain slope, up to the border with Kenya before turning in to the Loitokitok Gate. Here you will meet your other guides and mountain crew and enter the Kilimanjaro National Park. We begin our climb by walking a few hours through cultivated land and timber farms before entering the cool and verdant montane forest, still teeming with wildlife, before soon reaching the moorland zone, where our first night’s camp is located. B.L.D.

Day 4: First Cave Camp (8,700') to Kikelewa Caves (11,810'), 5.5 miles
The 3 hour morning climb today takes us through open moorland to the second cave camp, where we will stop for lunch. On the way, you will have spectacular views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks as we hike in a southwesterly direction with a dry riverbed on our left and through lizard country of bare rocks and long grasses. We may see many signs of animal life – their tracks, trails, and droppings. Bird life is also abundant and we should be able to spot the white-necked raven, alpine chat, and streaky seed-eater. After lunch we turn directly toward the jagged peak of Mawenzi and into the Kikelewa Valley to our campsite near a set of small grottoes. B.L.D.

Day 5: Kikelewa Caves (11,810') to Mawenzi Tarn (14,210'), 3.7 miles
Today’s hike starts gently before rising on a short but steep climb through a forest of senecios and into the highland desert zone. As we ascend we encounter huge boulders and the vegetation noticeably thins as low heathers, groundsel, and the helichrysum flower dominate. We will have the afternoon to explore the spectacular setting of our camp, replete with towers, barrancos (high bluffs), and the tarn (mountain lake) just below Mawenzi, by which our campsite sits. B.L.D.

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn (14,210') to Mawenzi Hut (14,890'), 2.5 miles
A switchback climb just above the tarn takes us alongside the North Corrie (glaciated valley) and up to the saddle on this moderate acclimatization hike. Crossing toward the south, we get a magnificent close-up view of the spiky and crag-ridden Mawenzi Peak. Once a popular and extremely technical rock climb, Mawenzi is now closed due to the danger of rock falls. Just beyond the high ridge of the saddle and after a short descent we reach camp at the spectacularly-sited Mawenzi Hut. B.L.D.

Day 7: Mawenzi Hut (14,890') to Kibo Camp (15,460'), 4.9 miles
We have a steady down-and-up hike through an arid and bleak alpine desert across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks, with spectacular views in all directions. As we rise up to the camp at Kibo hut we will first encounter the trekkers using the Marangu route (our descent path). After an early dinner we have a summit briefing and prepare our equipment before resting. At midnight, ideally under the stars and a brightly shining moon, we begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. B.L.D.

Day 8: Kibo Camp (15,460') to Uhuru Peak (19,340') to Horombo Camp (12,200'), 13.1 miles
The summit ascent that began at midnight is a steep 5 to 6 hour climb to Gillman's Point (18,640 feet) before the route flattens out along the crater rim. We will climb pole pole (meaning “slowly” in Kiswahili) and drink plenty of water and tea, refueling with small snacks, and enjoying this hike. A further 1 to 2 hours takes us to our goal - Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet. After a stay of 20 to 30 minutes with tea, snacks, and plenty of photos, we descend to Kibo camp for lunch and rest before continuing on the Marangu route to the camp site at Horombo, more than 7,000 feet below the summit! Eat, share your experiences of the climb, and sleep soundly. Congratulations, you touched the Roof of Africa! B.L.D.

Day 9: Horombo Camp (12,200') to Marangu Gate (6,10') to Mbahe Farm House (6,000’), 12.7 miles
Enjoy the descent through the thick montane forest on Kilimanjaro’s southern flank as we hike 4 hours and drop more than 6,000 feet to the trailhead at Marangu Gate, encountering legions of climbers beginning their ascent. We will collect our certificates of achievement at the gate and take the final short walk through Chagga farmland back to SENE’s Mbahe Village Farm. Enjoy a hot shower and a celebration dinner in the evening with the whole team. B.L.D.

Day 10: Mbahe Village Farm Cottages/Departure
Today is a rest and relaxation day at the farm. Optional activities include light hiking, swimming, exploring the village and local school, visiting with the neighbors, drumming, tasting homemade banana beer, or shopping in Moshi Town. For those returning home you will be transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport to catch your flight. Those heading out on safari or to Zanzibar will prepare for the continuation of your exciting African adventure. B.L.

Printer-friendly Itinerary | Schedule: Rongai Route | Schedule: All Routes | Back to Top

---

Printer-friendly Itinerary | Schedule: All Routes | Back to Top

---

Printer-friendly Itinerary | Schedule: All Routes | Back to Top