9-Day Climbing Kilimanjaro, Materuni and Kikuletwa Hot Spring
This 9-day itinerary combines the thrill of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with authentic cultural experiences and soothing natural hot springs. Designed for adventurers who want a balance of challenge, exploration, and relaxation, this tour allows you to conquer Africa’s highest peak while immersing yourself in the Chagga culture and winding down at the turquoise waters of Kikuletwa Hot Springs.
The Kilimanjaro climb follows a well-established route (such as Marangu, Machame, or Rongai) with a gradual ascent for optimal acclimatization, maximizing summit success. After descending, you will explore Materuni Village, hike to its stunning waterfall, participate in a traditional coffee-making experience, and finally unwind in the natural pools of Kikuletwa.
9-Day Climbing Kilimanjaro, Materuni and Kikuletwa Hot Spring
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi. Meet your guide for a full trek briefing, gear check, and orientation.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Dinner
Drive to the chosen Kilimanjaro route gate. Begin trekking through lush rainforest, enjoying wildlife and birdlife.
Overnight: Mountain hut or camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Starting Point: Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp – ~2,650 m
- Ending Point: Shira 2 Camp – ~3,850 m
- Distance: ~8–12 km depending on trail variations
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours (can vary depending on pace and acclimatization)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Terrain: Heath, moorland, volcanic rock, wide open plateau
This section is crucial for acclimatization, as it takes you from the lower forested slopes of Kilimanjaro to the high-altitude Shira Plateau, exposing you to thinner air, wind, and stark alpine landscapes.
- Starting Point: Shira 2 Camp – ~3,850 m
- Acclimatization Point: Lava Tower – ~4,600 m
- Ending Point: Barranco Camp – ~3,950 m
- Distance: ~10–12 km
- Hiking Time: 6–8 hours (including acclimatization at Lava Tower)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Terrain: Alpine desert, volcanic scree, rocky paths, semi-arid plateau
This day is often called the “Climb High, Sleep Low” day, which is critical for proper acclimatization before the summit push.
Elevation: 3986m – 4034m
Distance: 5km
Hours: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
After breakfast, you will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, you will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. In the afternoon, you can relax and stretch your legs in preparation for the upcoming summit night.
Elevation:4034m – 4662m
Distance: 5km
Hours:4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
On this day, you will continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here you will make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Elevation:4662m – 5895m (going up) 3090m (going down)
Distance: 5km going up – 11km going down
Hours:57 hours (going up) – 56 hours (going down)
Habitat: Arctic.
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), you will continue your way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (if the weather permits). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Elevation: 3106m – 1633m
Distance: 8km
Hours:3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain forest.
After breakfast, you will continue the descent down to Mweka Park gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear. After you have arrived at the gate you will be picked up by our driver and brought back to your hotel near moshi kilimanjaro.
Materuni village is surrounded by beautiful tropical rainforests. Visitors will get to explore Materuni waterfalls under the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Apart from hiking, the pool at the bottom of the waterfall is a good place for a refreshing swim if the weather allows, therefore, you can carry your costumes with you. Our guide will lead to to coffee tour and local food buffet lunch after the hiking. You will head to Kikuletwa Hot Spring for a few hours where you can swim and have exciting picnic activities around the place. It will be our last activity, the guide will take you back to your hotel or Airport.
