On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver will meet you and transfer you to Arusha, a drive of about 45 to 60 minutes. As you settle in, you’ll begin to get a feel for the surroundings, with views of the landscape and glimpses of local life along the way. On arrival at your lodge, there’s time to relax after your journey before dinner and overnight.

After breakfast in Arusha, we set off towards Rongai Gate, a drive of about 3 to 4 hours, passing through open countryside and small villages on the northern side of Kilimanjaro. On arrival, we complete registration before enjoying a hot lunch. We then begin the trek, walking through farmland and into forest, where there are chances of seeing monkeys and birdlife. The trail is steady and gradual as we gain height. The hike takes about 3 to 4 hours. On arrival at Simba Camp, we settle in, enjoy dinner, and overnight.

Elevation: 1,950 m to 2,620 m

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)

Hiking time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Montane forest

After breakfast at Simba Camp, we begin the day with a steady climb, leaving the forest behind as the landscape becomes more open. The trail leads us across moorland with wide views of the northern side of the mountain. We reach Second Cave, where we stop for a hot lunch and a short rest. From here, the trail continues uphill, becoming slightly steeper as we make our way towards Kikelewa Camp. The hike takes about 6 to 7 hours. On arrival, we settle in, enjoy dinner, and overnight.

Elevation: 2,620 m to 3,600 m

Distance: 12 km (8 miles)

Hiking time: 6–8 hours

Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast at Kikelewa Camp, we begin a shorter but steeper climb as the trail narrows and winds its way up through open moorland. The vegetation becomes less as we gain height, and the views begin to open up, with Mawenzi Peak rising sharply ahead. The pace is steady, allowing time to adjust to the altitude. The hike takes about 3 to 4 hours. On arrival at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, set in a sheltered valley below the towering Mawenzi Peak, we enjoy a hot lunch and have time to rest before dinner and overnight.

Elevation: 3,600 m to 4,300 m

Distance: 5 km (3 miles)

Hiking time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Moorland to alpine desert

After breakfast at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, we continue across a wide, open landscape known as the Saddle, a high-altitude desert between Mawenzi and Kibo. The trail is gradual but long, with little vegetation and a quiet, remote feel. As we walk, Kibo comes into clearer view ahead. The pace is steady as we prepare for the summit push. The hike takes about 5 to 6 hours. On arrival at Kibo Camp, we enjoy a hot lunch and have time to rest before an early dinner and preparation for the summit.

Elevation: 4,330 m to 4,700 m

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)

Hiking time: 5–6 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Today is summit day. We wake up around 23:00hrs and take tea and biscuits before setting off at midnight. We climb slowly in the dark, with headlamps lighting the way, as we make steady progress towards Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, reaching it around sunrise. From here, we continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After spending time at the summit, we begin our descent back to Kibo Camp for a short rest and hot lunch. We then continue down to Horombo Camp, arriving in the afternoon for dinner and overnight.

Elevation: 4,700 m to 5,895 m, then down to 3,720 m

Distance: 22 km (14 miles)

Hiking time: 10–13 hours

Habitat: Arctic to moorland

After breakfast at Horombo Camp, we begin our final descent through the moorland and into the rainforest. The trail is gradual and steady, with the landscape becoming greener as we lose altitude. We pass through forest with chances of seeing monkeys and birdlife along the way. The hike takes about 5 to 6 hours as we make our way to Marangu Gate. On arrival, we receive our summit certificates before continuing by vehicle back to Arusha, a drive of about 2 hours. On arrival at your lodge, there is time to relax, celebrate your achievement over dinner, and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Elevation: 3,720 m to 1,970 m Distance: 20 km (12 miles)Hiking time: 6–7 hoursHabitat: Moorland to rainforest

After breakfast in Arusha, we transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport, a drive of about 45 to 60 minutes. The journey is short and relaxed, giving you time to reflect on your experiences before departure.