Tour Overview
This route is a good choice during the rainy season because it is drier than other routes. It also offers beautiful views of the mountain from a different side.
The 6-day itinerary is shorter, so acclimatization time is limited. It is best for fit climbers or those with some trekking experience.
The trek ends at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa, and descends through the southern side via the Marangu Route.
Accommodation: Camping (tents)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best for: Fit climbers who want a shorter and quieter route
Itinerary
Elevation: 1,950 m → 2,600 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Simba Camp (tents)
You drive to Rongai Gate for registration, near the Kenya border.
The hike starts through farmland and forest. You may see wildlife like monkeys.
The trail is gentle and not steep, making it a good start. You arrive at Simba Camp in the afternoon and relax.
Activities
Trekking from Rongai Gate → Simba Camp
Elevation: 2,600 m → 3,450 m
Distance: 6–7 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Accommodation: Second Cave Camp (tents)
You leave the forest and enter open moorland. The views become wider.
The trail climbs slowly. You will see great views of Kibo Peak.
You arrive at Second Cave Camp and rest.
Activities
Trek from Simba Camp → Second Cave Camp
Elevation: 3,450 m → 4,700 m
Distance: 10–12 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Accommodation: Kibo Camp (tents)
This is a longer and more challenging day.
You walk across the “Saddle,” a wide, dry area between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The landscape is open and windy.
The trail is not very steep but feels harder because of the altitude.
You arrive at Kibo Camp, your base camp for the summit. You eat early and rest.
Activities
Trek from Second Cave → Kibo Camp
Elevation: 4,700 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m
Distance: 6 km up + 15 km down
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Accommodation: Horombo Camp (tents)
You wake up around midnight and start climbing in the dark. It is very cold, and the climb is slow and steep.
After several hours, you reach Gilman’s Point at sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
You take photos and celebrate your success.
After that, you descend to Kibo Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Camp.
This is the longest and most difficult day.
Activities
Climb from Kibo Camp → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Camp
Elevation: 4,330 m → 4,700 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Kibo Camp (tents)
Cross the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape is dry and open. Arrive at Kibo Camp early. Rest and eat early because the summit climb starts at midnight.
Activities
Trek from Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut Camp
Elevation: 4,700 m → 5,895 m → 1,860 m
Distance: 6 km up + 18 km down
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Wake up around midnight and start the summit climb in the dark. Walk slowly; it is very cold and steep. Reach Gilman’s Point at sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
After celebrating and taking photos, descend to Kibo Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Marangu Gate through the rainforest. Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to your hotel.
Activities
Descend from Kibo Camp → Uhuru Peak → Marangu Gate
