Climb Kilimanjaro from the quiet, drier northern side near the Kenyan border, ascending via Mawenzi Tarn side and descending by Marangu.
- Duration
- 6 Days
- Style
- Trekking
- Country
- Tanzania
- Format
- Private
6 days · Trekking
At a glance
- 6
- Days
- 5
- Nights
- 5
- Places to stay
- Private
- Group
Where you'll stay
- Simba Camp
- Second Cave Camp
- Third Cave Camp
- Kibo Huts
- Horombo Huts
Every day is flexible — we tune the pace, lodges and game drives to you.
Nale Moru Gate to Simba Camp
Drive through coffee plantations and the village of Nale Moru to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. Permits are issued while you watch crews prepare for the climb, then you hike (about 3–4 hours, 7 km) through farmland, pine forest and wooded trails with a chance to see colobus monkeys. Simba Camp sits near the First Cave at the edge of the moorland with spectacular views over the plains of Kenya. Elevation 1,997 m to 2,635 m.
Where you stay
Simba Camp (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
A steady ascent over moorland (5–6 hours, 5.8 km) with terrific views of Kibo and your first glimpse of the ice fields on the eastern crater rim. The moorland shrubs thin out as you approach Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop. Elevation 2,635 m to 3,487 m.
Where you stay
Second Cave Camp (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Second Cave Camp to Third Cave Camp
A shorter day (3–4 hours) of steady ascent into the semi-desert zone, bringing you closer to the eastern ice fields. Pay attention to your body and tell your guide of any signs of altitude sickness. Elevation to about 3,936 m.
Where you stay
Third Cave Camp (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Third Cave Camp to Kibo Huts
Leave the semi-desert early and trek into the alpine desert (4–5 hours) just below the Kibo crater wall to Kibo Huts, where you merge with the Marangu Route. Prepare clothing and equipment, replace headlamp batteries, eat early and rest before the summit attempt.
Where you stay
Kibo Huts (hut)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Summit Day: Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak, down to Horombo Huts
Start between midnight and 2 am for the most demanding part of the climb, ascending through heavy scree towards the crater rim at Gillman's Point where you are rewarded with sunrise. From the rim you continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa (5,895 m), often through snow. After photos you descend to Kibo Huts for a hot meal and rest, then continue down to Horombo Huts.
Where you stay
Horombo Huts (hut)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate
A long, mostly downhill trek (6–7 hours, 20 km) through rainforest, with lunch at Mandara Huts. At Marangu Gate you collect your summit certificates and are driven back to your hotel for a hot shower and celebration dinner.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch; dinner at hotel not included
Rates are in US dollars, per person sharing, based on the lodges in this itinerary. We'll confirm exact pricing for your dates and party.
Per person sharing
USD
Per person sharing, USD, 2022-23 rate; solo climber add-on $320, single-room supplement $280; subject to current government park fees at time of departure; includes park fees, guides, crew, camping gear, meals on the mountain, transfers and 2 nights B&B. Prices are guides and may change with season, availability and exchange rates. See our terms for payment and cancellation details.
Included
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking guide (Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified)
- Mountain crew of cook and porters in the right ratio for your group
- Pre- and post-climb accommodation (2 nights bed and breakfast)
- Airport transfers
- All meals on the mountain, drinking water
- All National Park and hut/camping fees, crew permits and VAT
- Fair and sustainable crew wages
- Transfers to and from the trek gate
- Complimentary emergency oxygen cylinder
- Portable private toilet and porter
- Quality imported camping equipment
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