Price: Dependent on number of pax
Local Payment/Park Entrance Fees: Dependent on number of pax

Areas of Interest: Kilimanjaro National Park, Nale Muru village, Cave camp, Kikelelwa hut, Mawenzi tarn Hut, Kibo Hut, Shira Plateau, Uhuru Peak, Horombo Hut, Moshi/Arusha 

Activity: Game Viewing, Camping, Scenery, Trekking, Photography, Culture, and Bird Watching

Country: Tanzania

Tanzania offers some of the best trekking in Africa.  The biggest attraction being the highest mountain in Africa and one of the highest volcanoes in the world - Mount Kilimanjaro.  It is also the highest mountain anywhere that can be climbed by a regular tourist, and thousands of guests attempt to make it to the summit every year.  The hike is even more attractive because you can walk all the way to the summit without the need of ropes or technical climbing experience, but you still need the right preparation. 

The best time to go trekking is in the dry season, from late June to October when the rains have ended and from late December to February or early March, just after the short rains. 

This route rises up the north side of the mountain, from a rural community called Rongai just south of the Kenya - Tanzania border.  This route benefits the local people as the hiking groups that use this route pay to use the amenities and the funds go to the village.  An additional interesting basis for this route is that it is the single course on Mount Kilimanjaro where local men and women work mutually as porters.  

Day 1 - 1st Cave Camp (2600m) 4 hours ascent

Transfer from Moshi by Land Rover to the attractive wooden village of Nale Muru 3 hours away (1950 m). After introductions and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest.

The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2600 m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Day 2 - Kikelelwa Camp (3600m)  7 hours hike

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (3450 m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley - Kikelelwa Camp (3600m).

Day 3 - Mawenzi tarn hut (4330m) 4 hours hike

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330 m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.

If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.

Day 4 - Kibo camp (4750m) 5 hours hike

Cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4750 m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night!

Day 5 - Summit attempt (5895m) then Horombo hut (3720m) 4 hours hike

Begin the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. with your guide. Proceed very slowly in the darkness on a trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (5685 m) Rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi.

Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5895 m); passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs. At Uhuru peak you will have reached the highest point in Africa and if the weather is good you will certainly want to celebrate your triumph and take in the breathtaking views.

The descent to Kibo (4700 m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment continue the descent to reach the final campsite at Horombo (3720 m).

Day 6 - Horombo – Marangu gate (1830m) 5 hours hike

This day is spent descending to Marangu gate. Here you meet the vehicle and transferred to your hotel of choice for dinner and celebration!