Day 1 – Rongai Start Point (1,996 masl) – Simba Camp (2,626 masl)
You will be picked up from your hotel in Arusha and be driven for 2 hours to the Marangu gate for registration. After registration you will head north-east for 2 ½ hours to Rongai Start Point. The hike to the first camp will take about 4 hours to the destination. You will pass a rain forest zone where you may spot some colobus monkeys. Our destination is Simba Camp. The team will have arrived at the Camp ahead of you to pitch up your tents and set camp ready to receive you. You will be provided with warm water to freshen up and be served with lunch. You will have the rest of the day to rest. In the evening dinner will be served to allow you time to retire for the night.
Day 2 – Rongai Cave (2,626 masl) – Kikelewa Camp (3,670masl)
On day 2, you will hike from Simba camp to the 2nd Cave 3450 metres above sea level for lunch. After lunch you will proceed with trekking until Kikelewa Camp. At Kikelewa Camp the view opens up to allow you to see the surrounding areas. You will have an overnight stay at Kikelewa Camp where you will be served dinner. After dinner your team will brief you about the following day’s hike before retiring to your tents for night.
Day 3 – Kikelewa Camp (3,670 masl) – Mawenzi Tarn (4,303 masl)
Today’s destination will be a short but steep climb passing through the vegetation zone. After breakfast you will leave Kilelewa Camp heading towards Mawenzi Tarn where you will have 4 to 5 hours hike. Mawenzi Tarn is a very remarkable campsite. It is in a hollow under the shadows of Mawenzi peak. The camp is close to a small lake. On arrival at the camp your team will be ready to serve you with lunch after which you will have time to relax. In the evening dinner will be served after which you can retire for the night.
Day 4 – Mawenzi Tarn (4,303 masl) – Kibo Hut (4,700 masl)
On day 4 after breakfast we will head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo Hut crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The hike from Mawenzi to Kibo Hut will take 4 to 5 hours. On arrival at Kibo Hut you will have your lunch. You then spend the rest of the day resting before early dinner. You will then retire early to rest before being woken up late at night for the final ascent. The team will fully brief you on the preparations for the summit.
Day 5 – Kibo Hut (4,700 masl) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 masl) – Horombo Hut (3,700 masl)
At around midnight the team will wake you up with a warm cup of tea and biscuits to get you ready for your final ascent. Your headlamps, and on lucky nights the moonlight, will be your only source of light as you make your way up to Stella Point at the elevation of 5,730 metres above sea level, reaching the crater rim in about 5 to 7 hours. Another 1 to 2 hours will take you to Uhuru Peak, where you can enjoy the sun rising over the roof of Africa. After capturing this incredible view and achievement on film you will start the descent along the same route back to Horombo Hut, where your team will be waiting for you with some snacks and refreshments. In the evening you will be served with dinner before you retire for the night.
Day 6 – Horombo Hut (3,700 masl) to Marangu Gate (1,816 masl)
Day 6 is your final day on the mountain. After breakfast you will be hosted by the team to a traditional farewell ceremony after which you will start descending from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate. The descent will take 6 to 7 hours. At Marangu Gate you will sign out and awarded a certificate for summiting Uhuru Peak. You will then be driven back to your hotel/lodge in Arusha for overnight stay before departing.
