Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a representative from Mountains 2 Marshes Tanzania Expeditions will meet you and transfer you to Arusha. Depending on your preferred comfort level, you may stay at the Outpost Lodge for budget, Arusha Planet Lodge for midrange, or Arusha Coffee Lodge for luxury accommodation. The drive takes approximately 1 hour, covering roughly 50 km. This first day allows you to unwind and recover after your journey while adjusting to the altitude and climate. You may spend the afternoon exploring nearby markets, relaxing by the lodge gardens, or taking a short walk in Arusha town. Dinner is included, providing a restful start before beginning your Kilimanjaro adventure the following morning.

Day 2: Arusha to Rongai Gate to First Cave Camp

After breakfast, begin your journey with a 3 to 4 hour scenic drive covering about 80 km to Rongai Gate, located on the northern side of Kilimanjaro near the Kenya border at 1,950 m. After completing registration, your trek starts through lush evergreen rainforest filled with colobus monkeys, birdlife, and thick vegetation. The trail is gentle and covers approximately 6 km, taking 3 to 4 hours to reach First Cave Camp at 2,600 m. This initial ascent is excellent for acclimatization as the elevation gain is gradual. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm dinner and settle into camp.
Extra activities available: nature photography, birdwatching, and short evening acclimatization walks.

Day 3: First Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

Today’s trek ascends steadily through the rainforest, gradually transitioning into moorland vegetation dominated by heathers and giant groundsels. The distance to Kikelewa Camp is about 9 km and typically takes 5 to 6 hours. As you climb, views of the Kenyan plains open behind you, while the broad slopes of Kilimanjaro rise ahead. The trail becomes steeper in the last section before arriving at Kikelewa Camp at 3,600 m. Enjoy hot lunch, followed by relaxation time to acclimatize before dinner.
Extra activities: sunset photography, acclimatization hikes around camp, stargazing.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

After breakfast, the trail climbs sharply toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, providing some of the most dramatic alpine scenery on the mountain. This 8 km hike takes approximately 4 to 5 hours and leads to Mawenzi Tarn Camp at 4,330 m, beautifully positioned beneath the towering Mawenzi peak. The landscape here is rugged and rocky, offering breathtaking views in every direction. Mawenzi Tarn is known for its tranquility, making it an ideal acclimatization stop.
Extra activities: exploration hikes toward Mawenzi Ridge, photography of the tarn and Mawenzi peak.

Day 5: Acclimatization Day at Mawenzi Tarn Camp

This important acclimatization day strengthens your chances of a successful summit. You may take short guided hikes around Mawenzi Ridge, gaining additional altitude before returning to camp. The rugged environment offers exceptional scenic trails, wildlife spotting opportunities, and panoramic views stretching across the northern plains and the looming Kibo peak. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing, rehydrating, and preparing for the upcoming push toward the summit.
Optional activities: high-altitude training walk, landscape photography, mountain meditation sessions.

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

After breakfast, continue your ascent toward Kibo Hut at 4,700 m. The trail covers around 9 km and takes 5 to 6 hours. You will traverse the famous lunar-like Saddle, a wide high-altitude desert separating Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain is barren and dramatic, offering clear views of both peaks. As you approach Kibo Hut, the summit cone of Kilimanjaro dominates the horizon. Upon arrival, enjoy an early dinner and rest in preparation for your summit attempt.
Extra activities: short acclimatization walks, reviewing summit briefing with your guides.

Day 7: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Summit day begins shortly after midnight. The climb to Gilman’s Point at 5,685 m takes about 4 to 5 hours, covering steep switchbacks under cold night temperatures. From Gilman’s Point, continue for another 1 to 2 hours along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa. Reaching the summit at sunrise is the highlight of the expedition, offering unforgettable views of glaciers, volcanic formations, and distant landscapes.
After celebrating and taking photos, begin your long descent to Horombo Hut at 3,720 m, covering approximately 15 km in 6 to 8 hours. Rest, enjoy a hot dinner, and reflect on your achievement.

Day 8: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Arusha

Today’s descent covers about 20 km and takes 5 to 6 hours, taking you through moorlands and lush rainforests back to Marangu Gate at 1,860 m. After signing out and receiving your official summit certificates, you will be transferred back to Arusha for a relaxing evening at your selected lodge. Dinner is included as you celebrate the completion of your Kilimanjaro ascent.

Day 9: Departure

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you may explore Arusha briefly or relax at your lodge before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport. This marks the end of your extraordinary climbing journey with Mountains 2 Marshes Tanzania Expeditions.