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 will drive from Arusha to Rongai Gate for registration. This gate is on the northern side of the mountain, near the Kenya border.
The trek starts through farmland and pine forest. The path is gentle and easy, perfect for your first day. You may see wildlife like monkeys and birds.
After a steady walk, you reach Simba Camp, where you rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next day.
Activities
- Drive to Rongai Gate
- Registration and permit check
- Trekking to Simba Camp
- Dinner and overnight stay
Elevation: 2,600 m → 3,450 m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Second Cave Camp (tents)
After breakfast, you continue your Kilimanjaro trekking through moorland. The forest slowly disappears, and you start to see open views.
The climb is still gradual, which helps your body adjust to the altitude. You will stop at Second Cave Camp, a scenic area with views of Kibo Peak.
Activities
- Morning trek through moorland
- Enjoy views of the mountain
- Rest and acclimatization
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours
Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp (tents)
Today’s trek is short but slightly steeper. You move into alpine desert terrain with unique plants and beautiful landscapes.
You will arrive early at Kikelewa Camp, giving you time to relax and adjust to the altitude.
Activities
- Short but steady climb
- Acclimatization and rest
- Enjoy mountain views
Elevation: 3,600 m → 4,330 m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (tents)
This day takes you closer to Mawenzi Peak, the second highest peak of Kilimanjaro.
The trail becomes steeper and more rocky. When you arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, you will see a beautiful small lake below Mawenzi.
This is a great place for acclimatization before your summit push.
Activities
- Trek to high altitude
- Acclimatization walk (optional)
- Rest and prepare for summit
Elevation: 4,330 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (huts)
This is the most important and challenging day of your Kilimanjaro climb.
You start your summit trek at midnight, walking slowly towards Gilman’s Point. From there, you continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Celebrate your success at the top of Uhuru Peak!
After taking photos, you descend to Kibo Hut for rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut.
Activities
- Midnight summit climb
- Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
- Descend to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 3,720 m → 1,860 m
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
After breakfast, you descend through moorland and forest to Marangu Gate.
At the gate, you receive your summit certificate. Then you drive back to Arusha for rest.
Activities
- Final descent
- Receive certificate
- Transfer back to hotel
