Itinerary

Day 1 (Sunday) – ARUSHA: Arrive on own (or by private transfer, at a supplement) at the Arusha Safari Lodge. Relax poolside or take a stroll around the beautiful grounds, with Mount Meru (14,979’) looming overhead. Dinner is served at lodge after a comprehensive climb briefing. (D)

Day 2 – RONGAI GATE (6,550 ft.) - RONGAI 1 CAVES CAMP (9,285 ft.): After an early morning briefing and gear check, depart from Moivaro at 8:30am with the rest of the group. In about 3 hours, arrive at the Rongai gate. After completion of administrative formalities and a meeting with the porters and guides, begin the 3 to 4 hour walk to the first camp. The walk is at a leisurely pace through fields and then into the rain forest. Arrive at your camp set in the heather. Dinner and overnight here. (B, L, D)

Day 3 – RONGAI 1 CAVES CAMP - KIKELEWA CAVES CAMP (11,800 ft.): About 3-4 hours trek through the heather will bring you to a second set of caves. If the weather is clear, Mawenzi Peak will be in sight. Enjoy stopping to see the exotic heather-zone flowers and plants which grow alongside the trail. A smaller track leads off the main trail through the moorland and towards Mawenzi. The trekking time is about 6-8 hours, arriving in camp for dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 4 – KIKELEWA CAVES CAMP - MAWENZI TARN CAMP (14,160 ft.): Trek from the moorland and eventually into the stark highland desert towards Mawenzi on trails not frequented by many tourists. From the Tarn Campsite, enjoy a magnificent view of Mawenzi, with its steeply rising rock spires. Total trekking time is 5-7 hours. Dinner and overnight at camp. (B, L, D)

Day 5 – MAWENZI TARN CAMP - OUTWARD BOUND CAMP (15,585 ft.): The trekking time today is 5-7 hours on a relatively easy hike across the wide saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Crossing the massive saddle is impressive and the landscape spectacularly stark.  Prepare all your gear for the summit night ahead, and turn in early for much-needed rest. Dinner and sleep here. (B, L, D)

Day 6 – OUTWARD BOUND CAMP - UHURU PEAK (19,340 ft.)  -  HOROMBO CAMP (10,200 ft.): Awake at midnight and depart at 1a.m. From camp to the rim of the crater (18,750-ft Gillman’s Point) to Uhuru Peak, trekking time is 7-8 hours. The slope is steep with switchbacks over loose rock and scree and boulders as you near Gilman’s Point. You will stop at Hans Meyer cave on the way, named for the first western climber to summit Kili.  Once you arrive at Gilman’s Point (after about 5 - 6 hours) at the edge of the crater, the trail to the summit is less demanding, and is reached after a further 1½-2 hours along the snowy crater rim (depending on the season).  After 3 hours of descending to Kibo hut, there is a pause for rest & food, then another 3 to 4 hours to reach Horombo Camp. Total trekking time is 12 – 14 hours. Dinner and overnight at Horombo Camp. (B, L, D)

Day 7 – HOROMBO CAMP - MARANGU GATE (5,900 ft.) - ARUSHA:  Descend straight to the gate (5-6 hours), where you’ll have lunch and will be awarded climbing certificates. Private transfer back to Arusha, and drop at the hotel of your choice (hotel priced separately), or at JRO airport. (B, L)

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