One of the simplest and least-traveled paths, with a very high success rate. Just south of the Kenyan border, on the mountain’s north flank, is where the journey begins.

Climbers can observe the peak from a variety of vantage points because the descent is down the Marangu path on the mountain’s southern flank. From Moshi, the drive to the trailhead takes roughly 2.5 hours.

Day 1 – Rongai Gate (1950m) – 1st Caves Camp (2600m)

You will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and transported to the Marangu Gate following an early breakfast at your accommodation (1980m). You will be picked up and driven to the Rongai trailhead (2.5 hours drive). Tall cornfields are where the trail starts, and it eventually enters a pine forest. The gentle elevation on this trail makes it possible for trekkers to take in the scenery.

About halfway up the trail you will have a lunch break and you will reach the 1st Caves Camp (2600m) in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef, who move very fast up the mountain, will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served.

Day 2 – 1st Caves Camp (2600m) – Kikelewa Cave (3600m)

Hikers will continue their ascent to Kikelewa Cave after a nice breakfast (3600m). Second Cave, located 3450 meters down the trail, is an excellent place to stop for lunch. Your tents will be set up before you get to camp, much like the first night, and the porters will get ready drinking and washing water for you. At this exposed site, nighttime lows of below zero are to be expected.

Day 3 – Kikelewa Cave (3600) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)

On this day, hikers will enjoy a short, yet steep trail to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m). In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. At camp, hikers will enjoy spectacular views and allow their bodies to acclimate. Hot dinner and washing water will be prepared for hikers as they enjoy the magnificent sunset.

Day 4 – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)

After breakfast, hikers will continue ascending east for a half-day hike to Kibo Hut. Kibo is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!.

Day 5 – Summit Attempt

Around 23:30, your guide will wake you up for tea and biscuits. You will then start trying to reach the summit. The path leading to Hans Meyer Cave is rocky (5150m). You keep climbing up to Gillman’s Point (5681m). It takes a lot of effort to make it to this stretch of the trail because it is rocky, steep, and located at a high elevation. On the rim of the crater is where Gillman’s is.

From here, the trail is typically covered in snow until you reach Uhuru Peak, the top (5895m). An accomplishment of a lifetime is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro! Prior to starting the descent to Barafu, you will have some time to take pictures and enjoy tea on the peak. It takes roughly three hours to hike down to Kibo Hut.

You can rest and eat a nice meal outside at Kibo Hut. You will continue to descend to Horombo Hut after eating (3720m). After a long day of exertion, you will eat dinner, wash, and have a good night’s sleep at the hut.

Day 6 – Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)

Your team will have a tremendous celebration with singing and dancing after a well-earned breakfast. You will provide your tips to the guide, the assistant guides, the chef(s), and the porters here on the mountain. You will descend for six hours to return to Marangu Gate after the celebration (1980m). All hikers must sign their names in order to earn completion certificates from the National Park.

Green certificates are awarded to hikers who make it to Gillman’s Point (5681 meters), while gold awards are given to those who make it to Uhuru Peak (5895 meters). You will drive back to Moshi/Arusha for long overdue baths and celebrations after obtaining your certificates.