Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a friendly member of the Royal hospitality team will be there to welcome you. They will escort you to the Panama Garden Resort, where you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable stay following your long flight. The resort offers cozy rooms with hot showers, a restaurant serving delicious meals, a helpful service team, and internet access.

At the designated time, you’ll attend a briefing where your guides will provide comprehensive details about the upcoming trek. They’ll address any inquiries you may have and ensure you’re properly equipped for the journey, including arranging rental gear if needed.

Accommodation: Kili Summit Lodge

Travel Time and Distance: A one-hour drive covering 40 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi

ollowing an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll set out around 08:00hrs, reaching the Rongai Gate by approximately 11:00hrs, where you’ll enjoy your picnic lunch.

Upon completing the registration process, you’ll meet your essential trekking team, who will accompany you throughout the journey. With porters loading up, you’ll embark on the trek! Starting at an altitude of 2,364 meters, you’ll ascend to a new height of 2,671 meters. Initially, you’ll traverse through pine forests and vegetable fields, occasionally encountering lush forests where colobus monkeys may be spotted. As you venture beyond the forest, the landscape transitions to heathland, adorned with towering heathers. By 17:00hrs, the aim is to reach Simba Camp at 2,671 meters, covering a walking distance of only 7 km/4 miles with an estimated walking time of 3-4 hours. Upon arrival at the camp, you’ll have time to unwind before enjoying dinner around 19:00hrs.

Accommodation: Tents at Simba Camp

Hiking Time and Elevation: 3-4 hours of walking, from 2,364m at Rongai Gate to 2,671m at Simba Camp

Rise and shine! With your first night spent on the mountain, breakfast awaits before your departure around 08:00hrs. Today’s trek covers approximately 16 km/10 miles, with an ascent of about 929 meters, equating to roughly 6.5 to 7 hours of walking. As you ascend, observe the gradual reduction in size of the once towering heathers and the sparse distribution of trees. On a clear day, you’ll catch glimpses of Kenya from behind. The path entails a steady, steep, and often dusty climb. A picnic lunch is scheduled around 13:00hrs, following which you’ll continue southeastward, with the rugged peak of Mawenzi looming ahead.

Traversing moorland, the ascent is less pronounced compared to the morning, yet it remains a challenging and demanding day. Anticipate reaching camp by approximately 17:00hrs, with dinner served at 18:00hrs.

Accommodation: Tents at Kikelelwa Camp

Hiking Time and Elevation: 6.5 – 7 hours of walking, from 2,671m at Simba Camp to 3,600m at Kikelelwa Camp

You gain an extra hour of rest, allowing for a slightly later start today. Why the delay? Well, although the distance you’ll cover is short, just 3 km/2 miles, you’ll be ascending over 600 meters. That additional sleep might be appreciated as you tackle the climb! As you ascend further, vegetation becomes sparse at this altitude, offering sweeping views along the Rongai route. Your aim is to reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp at 4,315 meters by early afternoon, likely around 13:00hrs, affording ample time for acclimatization amidst this stunning scenery. In clear conditions, the vistas towards Kibo at 4,720 meters are unparalleled. Dinner will be served around 18:00hrs.

Accommodation: Tents at Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Hiking Time and Elevation: 3.5 – 4 hours of walking, from 3,600m at Kikelelwa Camp to 4,315m at Mawenzi Tarn Camp

This additional day is dedicated to acclimatization. Following breakfast, you’ll embark on a hike towards Mawenzi Ridge, gaining 74 meters in altitude. Spending one to two hours at higher elevation is crucial for acclimatization, so lunch will be enjoyed at Mawenzi Ridge itself before descending back to Mawenzi Tarn. Dinner is once again scheduled for 18:00hrs.

Accommodation: Tents at Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Hiking Time and Elevation: 2-3 hours, from 4,315m at Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Mawenzi Ridge at 4,389m and return to Mawenzi Tarn Camp at 4,315m

You’re back to your early breakfast routine to ensure you’re ready to depart Mawenzi by 08:00hrs. Starting from an altitude of 4,315 meters, today’s trek takes you to Kibo Camp at 4,720 meters. Heading westwards initially, you’ll cross the ridge and continue along the edge of the “saddle.” While vegetation is scarce, it’s not uncommon to spot an eland at this lofty altitude. Your goal is to reach Kibo Camp by around 15:00hrs, with a midday picnic lunch break along the way. Tonight, as you prepare for tomorrow’s summit attempt, dinner will be served early, around 17:30hrs, allowing you to retire to bed promptly!

Accommodation: Tents at Kibo Camp

Hiking Time and Elevation: 4.5 – 5 hours of walking, from 4,315m at Mawenzi Tarn Camp to 4,720m at Kibo Camp

Your itinerary for the ‘Summit Day’ marks a significant shift. Rising at 23:00hrs, you indulge in tea and biscuits by 23:30hrs before embarking on a midnight departure. Today presents your most demanding challenge, as you ascend a staggering 1,192 meters, making it your toughest day yet, with an estimated 10-13 hours of walking and covering a total distance of 22 km/14 miles.

Anticipate reaching the summit from 07:00hrs onwards. You commence on a rocky path, navigating through a series of zig-zags that progressively tighten as you climb. Your milestones for today include William’s Point (5,000 meters), Hans Meyer Cave (5,151 meters), and finally, Gilman’s Point (5,685 meters). The emphasis today is on walking “pole pole” – that is, slowly and steadily. Upon reaching the summit at 5,895 meters, relish the triumphant climb, capture memorable photos, and commend yourself for the achievement. Then, commence the descent, arriving back at Kibo Camp (4,703 meters) around 11:00hrs for a well-deserved two-hour rest and a delightful brunch. Resuming your descent at 14:00hrs, continue until you arrive at the familiar Horombo Camp (3,720 meters) around 17:00hrs. Dinner awaits at 19:00hrs.

Accommodation: Tents at Horombo Camp

Hiking Time and Elevation: 11-13 hours of walking, from 4,703m at Kibo Camp to the summit at 5,895m, then down to 3,720m at Horombo Camp.

Following your regular 07:00hrs breakfast, you seize the opportunity to express gratitude to your dedicated guides and porters during the meaningful ‘Tipping Celebration’. Subsequently, departing from Horombo Camp, you commence your descent towards Marangu Gate, with a stop at Mandara for a cooked lunch around midday.

Typically reached by 16:00hrs, Marangu Gate at 1,879 meters marks the culmination of today’s approximately 20 km/12 miles journey, requiring 6.5 to 7 hours of walking time. Upon arrival, you receive your well-deserved certificate, a cherished memento commemorating your remarkable accomplishment. Following this, you return by vehicle to Moshi, where your hotel awaits, providing a comfortable setting for your overnight stay and a chance to unwind. Alternatively, if energy permits, you might opt to celebrate your extraordinary achievement, considering you’ve conquered Africa’s highest peak!

Accommodation: Kili Summit Lodge

Hiking Time and Elevation: 6.5 – 7 hours of walking from Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate, descending from 3,720 meters to 1,879 meters, then return by vehicle from Marangu Gate to your hotel, approximately 1 hour’s drive.

After a restful night at your hotel, breakfast awaits you before the scheduled check-out at 10:00hrs. (Should you wish to extend your stay at the hotel beyond this time, kindly inform us during your trip booking, and we’ll provide details regarding the cost for a ‘day room’ option, allowing you to remain until 18:00hrs. We’ll handle the booking on your behalf.)

As part of our comprehensive package, transfer services have already been arranged. Our team will pick you up from your hotel and ensure you reach the airport comfortably. Additionally, for travelers who have booked a safari adventure, our experienced Royal guide will meet you in the afternoon to deliver a thorough pre-safari briefing.