Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp (Forest Zone)

After breakfast, drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Rongai Gate for registration and a trek briefing. Begin hiking through forest and farmland edges, gradually entering the natural forest zone.

The trail is gentle and quiet, with fewer climbers than the southern routes. You’ll climb steadily to Simba Camp, where you’ll settle in, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night.

Overnight: Simba Camp

Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp (Moorland Zone)

After breakfast, continue climbing as the forest begins to thin and the landscape opens into moorland. The views become wider and the trail remains steady, allowing a comfortable pace for acclimatization.

You will reach Second Cave Camp in the afternoon. After lunch, you can relax, take short acclimatization walks around camp, and enjoy the quieter northern atmosphere.

Overnight: Second Cave Camp

Day 3: Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp (Higher Moorland)

Today the trail climbs gradually through open slopes and moorland vegetation. The environment becomes more alpine, with fewer trees and more rocky terrain.

You’ll arrive at Kikelewa Camp in the afternoon. The camp is often described as peaceful and scenic, and you’ll have time to rest and prepare for the higher-altitude days ahead.

Overnight: Kikelewa Camp

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (Acclimatization + Great Views)

After breakfast, continue climbing toward Mawenzi Tarn, set beneath the dramatic spires of Mawenzi Peak. This is one of the most scenic camps on Kilimanjaro, with a mountain “amphitheater” feeling around you.

This day is shorter but steeper, helping your body adjust. In the afternoon, your guide may take you on a short acclimatization walk to help you sleep better and adapt to the altitude.

Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (Alpine Desert Zone)

After breakfast, trek across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. This is a wide, open alpine desert landscape with rocky ground and minimal vegetation.

You’ll arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon, rest, hydrate, and eat an early dinner. Your guide will give a summit briefing, and you’ll try to sleep early because the summit attempt begins around midnight.

Overnight: Kibo Hut

Day 6: Summit Day (Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak) then Descend to Marangu Gate

Around midnight, begin the summit climb. The trail is steep and slow, and your guide will keep a steady rhythm with short breaks to manage altitude. You will reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

After photos and celebrating, descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue down via the Marangu route to Marangu Gate, where you sign out and receive your certificate (depending on summit success). Transfer back to Moshi or Arusha to rest and celebrate your achievement.