Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Rongai Gate (1,800m/5,900ft) to First Cave Camp (2,600m/8,400ft)(Elevation Gain: 760 meters, 2,000 feet)
After an early breakfast in Moshi, drive to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registering at the gate, begin your climb to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. During the first day, hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first campsite. Rongai ascends via the less forested northern side of the mountain. Rongai Route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro because of the long drive to the gate. The Rongai trail is thought to have the best chance of viewing wildlife.
Day 2
First Cave Camp (2,600m/8,400ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft) Elevation Gain: 1,000 meters, 3,280 feet.
During day two hike through Kilimanjaro’s moorland. The Rongai route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter hiking times. During this day, view Mawenzi Peak ahead.
Day 3
Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft) Elevation Gain: 730 meters, 2,390 feet
This day is an acclimatization day, allowing you to hike in the beginning of the day and rest in the afternoon and evening. The hike is relatively short but steep. The Mawenzi Tarn campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.
Day 4
Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day four is an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn. We advise hiking a bit higher this day before returning to Mawenzi Tarn in the afternoon.
Day 5
Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft) Elevation Gain: 420 meters/1380 feet
Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle on this day to arrive at the final campsite. Kibo Camp is situated directly below the Kibo cone, giving you views of your final destination.
Day 6
Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) – Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters, 3,760 feet, Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters, 7,140 feet
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point. The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.
Day 7
Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) – Elevation Loss: 1,920 meters, 6,295 feet
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi/Arusha. You will be able to buy t-shirts and sodas at the gate.
Inclusions and exclusions
Price includes
- Transport from Moshi to the Mountain gate.
- Park fees.
- Fees of national park approved guide and porters.
- Food on the mountain (B/L/D).
- Drinking water and fruit juices.
- Experienced cooks, guides and porters.
- Tents, dining or mess tents, camping table and chairs. (On camping routes only).
Price excludes
- Tips.
- Visas.
- Airline tickets.
- Airport transfers.
- Airport taxes.
- Laundry.
- Insurances.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Other beverages apart from fruit juices and mineral water given on the first day of the climb and boiled water given during the climb.
- Other equipments on the mountain. (other than tents, camping table and chairs). (Mountain gear).
- Accommodation before and post trekking.
Note Well
Passengers should bring only soft sided bags on safaris. Baggage on Domestic flights is strictly limited to 15kgs per person (including hand luggage). Any excess cargo/baggage will be charged by the respective airlines at check-in counter at rate of $3.00 per 1kg
Practical notes, tipping and booking terms
Tipping guidelines
It is habitual to tip your safari driver-guide. Tips are paid at the end of the safari and are given to your guide, below are just a guideline for tipping:-
- We suggest $20.00 per person in the vehicle per day for driver-guide during safari days
- $3.00 per group for porters/waitress upon checking in and when checking out.
General Terms and Conditions
Holiday Surcharge
A supplement of US $ 50.00 per person per day will apply to all bookings on the 24th, 25th, 26th and 31st December and 1st January except Zanzibar accommodation
A supplement of US $ 45.00 per person per day will apply to all bookings between Easter Friday and Easter Monday (for all 4 days) as Easter holiday surcharge
Validity of Prices
Prices are valid for the periods shown but are subject to change without notice in the event of Government action, i.e. increase in hotel tax or VAT, or to increase if prices are significantly affected by other circumstances beyond our control. Prices are based on exchange rates prevailing at the time of publication and may alter should any major variation in exchange rates occur.
Payment
We do accept payment via bank transfer and credit cards. Please note that sender collects all charges. Kindly always send remittance of payments /payments proof including booking reference # after completion of transaction for our records. When paying through credit card surcharge of 5% will apply.
Prices Include
Prices quoted for safaris generally include transport as per the itinerary, airport transfers, game drives, flying doctor membership where appropriate and charged separate at price of $30.00 per person , full board accommodation, picnic/extra lunches where stated, scheduled charter flights where mentioned, Mineral water and park entrance fees.
Prices Exclude: Itinerary prices generally exclude international flights, visa costs, optional excursions, personal insurance (medical or other), drinks, tips, phone calls, laundry and any items of a personal nature.
Children Policy
Children between the age of 3 and 12years
- Pays 60% of the adult rate if sharing a room with two adults
- Pays 80% of the adult rate if sharing a room with another child
- Pays 100% of the adult rates if sharing a room with one adult
- No discount on Holiday and other supplements
Reservations, Payment and Deposits
When Destination Specialists accepts your booking, the date of the confirmation invoice activates the terms and conditions of the contract. Confirmation of services is subject to payment of a 50% of the total invoiced amount to secure space. The balance is to be paid not later than 60 days prior to commencement of the services. When bookings are made within 30 days prior to the departure date, full payment is required immediately on written confirmation.
Cancellation Policy
Should you wish to cancel your confirmed booking, you must advise the company in writing. Reservations that are cancelled, reduced in length of stay or reduced in numbers (hereinafter collectively called a CANCELLATION) are subject to Cancellation and No Show fees if cancelled within 44 days of the arrival date:
- 150 days to 90 days prior to arrival: 25%
- 89 days to 45 days prior to arrival: 50%
- 44 days to 01 days prior to arrival: 100%
Full details are on our Booking Policy page.
