Kilimanjaro Expedition
Kilimanjaro Expedition
The summit of Kilimanjaro stands at 19,341’/5,895m, the highest point in Africa and one of the famed Seven Summits.
Our Kilimanjaro expedition travels away from the crowds by climbing the Rongai Route. While somewhat longer than the busier routes, the trek is stunning. As it climbs from the trailhead at 6,000’/1,829m to the summit, it passes through every ecological zone found in this area of East Africa. While climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you begin in the rainforest, pass through alpine pines, then into grassland, alpine tundra, and eventually the barren world of the crater itself. And over the first 5 days on the mountain, you will see few other climbers or camps.
Kilimanjaro Itinerary
- Day 1
- Arrive in Tanzania
Arrive into Kilimanjaro International Airport in the evening, where you will meet your guides. Transfer to our hotel in Arusha, at the base of Kilimanjaro, where we’ll meet up with the rest of the team and get ready to start the expedition.
- Day 2
- Explore Local Villages
In the morning we explore the local villages surrounding the base of Kilimanjaro. In the afternoon we hold our first team meeting and organize our gear for the climb.
- Day 3
- Head to our First Camp
Drive to the Rongai trailhead, with stunning views of the mountain along the way. Once there, we meet our Tanzanian porters and staff, organize loads, and then begin our climb through lush forests. Four hours of walking will take us to our first camp, at 9,500 feet (2,696 meters).
- Day 4
- Move to Camp 2 at 12,000 feet
Our 6-hour hike takes us out of the humid forest and onto a stunning ridge with our first views of the upper crater walls of Kilimanjaro. The trail continues climbing on this ridge to our camp at 12,000 feet (3,658 meters).
- Day 5
- Hike to Mwenzi Tarn
Today is a 5-hour hike to the Mawenzi Tarn. This camp is a favorite with our groups. The camp at 13,000 feet (3,962 meters) is next to a small lake and below the Mawenzi Towers, with unbelievable views of the entire summit cone and our route to the top.
- Day 6
- Hike to Kibo Hut
Today’s hike takes us through the last of Kilimanjaro’s vegetated zones and into the barren alpine world of the upper mountain. A four hour hike takes us past species of plants found only here on Kilimanjaro’s upper flanks, and ends at our camp at the Kibo Hut, at 15,500 feet (4,724 meters). This camp is the staging point for many teams’ summit push. With so many other climbers here, the camp has a true international feel.
- Day 7
- Acclimatization Day
Today is an important additional acclimatization day. We wake up, eat a good breakfast, and go for a 2-3 hour hike to a bit over 16,000 feet (4,877 meters). This dramatically aids in our acclimatization, and gives us a perfect view of our summit route. We get back to camp early, and spend the afternoon resting and preparing for our summit attempt.
- Day 8
- Summit Day
Summit Day! We wake around midnight for a hot drink and snack and then begin our climb. The first 5-6 hours are steep and we occasionally scramble over rocky sections (no ropes or technical experience are necessary) as we ascend the crater wall. Around sunrise we top out on the wall at Gilman’s Point and step onto the crater. The route from there crosses the small crater glacier and then ascends easily to the true summit, the highest point in Africa at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters)! Our descent is via the Marangu route. After at least a 12 hour day we will set camp at 12,000 feet (3,658 meters).
- Day 9
- Head down to our Hotel
6+ hours of descent take us through the Marangu’s lush rainforests (a completely different ecological zone than we saw on our ascent) to the end of the trail (6,000 feet/1,829 meters) and our van. We return to our hotel for much needed showers and a celebration dinner. Those who only have time for the climb fly home (after 9pm). We highly recommend our Safari Extension, an unforgettable East African experience.
- EXTENSION- Day 10
- Head to Ngorongoro Crater
A 3 hour drive in the morning takes us to the Ngorongoro Crater. Ngorongoro holds the highest concentration of big game anywhere in Africa. It is an unbeatable place to see herds of wildebeest, zebras, antelope, and buffalo, along with the predators that feed on these herds – lions, cheetahs, and leopards. It is also one of the better places to spot rhinoceros. We will return to our hotel on the rim of the crater that evening.
- EXTENSION- Day 11
- Drive to Central Serengeti
Today we drive to the central Serengeti to continue our Safari. We end our day at a luxury tented camp in the central Serengeti.
- EXTENSION- Day 12
- Final Safari Day and Departure
An early morning wake up call for a half day game drive allows us to explore at the best time of the day when animals feed. An afternoon bush plane flight brings us back to Arusha in time for evening flight out.
Our Kilimanjaro Guides
Kilimanjaro Equipment List
Kilimanjaro Expedition Questions
- 0.180653° S, 78.467834° W
Kilimanjaro Blogs
A Day-to-Day Breakdown of Climbing Kilimanjaro
Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro is a challenge worth taking on, and our Rongai Route itinerary is designed to give climbers the best possible experience. With its gradual ascent, fewer crowds, and stunning views of the mountain’s north side, this route is one of the most enjoyable and effective ways to reach the top of Africa’s highest peak.Read the story
Five Common Mistakes to Avoid When Climbing Kilimanjaro
If you’re considering a Kilimanjaro expedition, avoiding these five common mistakes can make the difference between reaching the summit and turning around early.Read the story
The Ecosystems of Mount Kilimanjaro
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a journey through dramatically changing ecosystems, from dense forests to alpine deserts and icy glaciers. The mountain’s unique position near the equator means climbers experience a range of climates and landscapes in just a few days. Each route offers a slightly different approach, and the Rongai Route, known for its remote and scenic ascent, provides an exceptional perspective on Kilimanjaro’s ecosystems.Read the storyClimb Kilimanjaro Smarter: The Alpenglow Expeditions Advantage
Standing at 19,341 feet, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and one of the most sought-after summits in the world. But not all Kilimanjaro expeditions are created equal. Alpenglow Expeditions offers a superior experience by focusing on expert guiding, advanced acclimatization strategies, and a thoughtful approach to summit success. If you’re looking for the best way to climb Kilimanjaro, here’s why Alpenglow should be your top choice.Read the story
Love in the Mountains: The Connections We Find at Altitude
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic candlelit dinners or bouquets of roses. At Alpenglow Expeditions, we’ve seen firsthand how the mountains have a unique way of connecting people—romantically, platonically, and everything in between. There’s something about stepping into the high alpine, with thin air and endless horizons, that brings people together in ways everyday life rarely does.Read the story