Start your journey at the Rongai Gate. Hike through lush rainforest with the possibility of encountering wildlife. This path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey. Reach Simba Camp for the night.

Continue through the rainforest. As you gain elevation, the landscape changes to moorland. Ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m.) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant views near Kikelewa Caves (3.600 m.)iwith 6-7 hours walking. Reach Kikelewa Camp for the night.

Trek across the heath and moorland. Enjoy views of Mawenzi Peak. The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 meters). The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area as you reach Mawenzi Tarn Hut for the night.

Hike through a lunar-like desert terrain. Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4750 m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Arrive at Kibo Hut, which is your base camp for the summit attempt. Rest and prepare for the summit push. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. Take some photos and enjoy the beautiful view of the mountain.

Start your ascent to the summit very early in the morning, you’ll start your summit attempt from Kibo Hut, reaching Gillman's Point on the crater rim (5,685 meters or 18,651 feet), and then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters or 19,341 feet, at sunrise. Descend back to Kibo Hut. Continue descend back to Horombo Hut (around 3,720 meters or 12,205 feet) for overnight.

After breakfast and a warm ceremony of appreciation and shared experiences with your crew it’s time to say goodbye. We keep going downhill, pausing for lunch at the Mandara Huts. Since you are leaving your guides, cooks, and porters here, don't forget to tip them. You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. We strongly advise using trekking poles and gaiters due to the steep, muddy, and rainy terrain caused by the significantly warmer temperatures. A car will pick you up at the gate and take you back to your Moshi hotel (about 45 minutes). Enjoy supper, festivities, and a long-overdue hot shower!