The Challenge Plan: Day-by-Day
Day 1: The First Ascent
Your adventure begins with a drive to the Nalemuru Gate on the northern side of Kilimanjaro. After registration, you’ll begin your hike on a gentle, winding path through farmland and a pine forest. You will arrive at Simba Camp (2,625m) with views of the vast plains of Kenya.
- Elevation: 1,990m to 2,625m
- Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Into the Heath
You’ll begin with a steady climb through moorland terrain. On a clear day, you’ll get your first glimpse of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. You will stop for lunch at Second Cave (3,450m), then continue on a smaller path to your campsite for the night at Kikelewa Camp (3,600m).
- Elevation: 2,625m to 3,600m
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: The Mawenzi Tarn Climb
Today is a short but steep hike up grassy slopes. You’ll leave the heath zone and enter the alpine desert. The Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m) is situated in a stunning cirque right beneath the jagged peak of Mawenzi. You will have a chance for a short acclimatization hike in the afternoon.
- Elevation: 3,600m to 4,330m
- Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Mawenzi Tarn
This is the day that makes all the difference. Today, your mission is to “climb high and sleep low” to help your body adapt to the altitude. You will take a scenic acclimatization hike to the Mawenzi Ridge, ascending to a higher altitude before returning to Mawenzi Tarn Camp for a well-deserved night’s rest.
- Elevation: 4,330m (acclimatization hike to ~4,600m)
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: The Saddle Crossing
You will hike across the “Saddle,” a high-altitude desert that stretches between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. This is a vast, lunar-like landscape. You’ll arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700m), your base camp for the summit push, with plenty of time to rest and prepare.
- Elevation: 4,330m to 4,700m
- Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Summit Day! The Ultimate Victory
Your final, most challenging stage begins just after midnight. You will climb through the night on a steep scree slope to reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. As the sun rises, you’ll continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa! After celebrating, you will begin the long descent to Horombo Hut (3,720m) for a well-deserved night’s rest in the comfort of a hut.
- Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m to 3,720m
- Distance: 6 km up / 16 km down
- Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
- Habitat: Arctic Summit & Moorland
Day 7: The Final Descent
After breakfast, you will begin your celebratory descent. The trail winds through moorland before entering the lush rainforest. You’ll arrive at Marangu Gate, where you will receive your official summit certificate. From there, a vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved celebration and a hot shower.
- Elevation: 3,720m to 1,860m
- Distance: 20 km / 12 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
