Rongai Route

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in Moshi. Evening briefing and gear check.

• Accommodation:Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort (Moshi)
• Meals:Dinner

• Elevation:1,950m → 2,650m
• Distance:8 km
• Hiking Time:4-5 hours
• Habitat:Rainforest/Farmland
• Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Drive to Rongai Gate (approx. 2-3 hours). The route passes through farmland and villages before reaching the park boundary.

The Trail: Begin your ascent through open woodland and farmland fringe. This area is drier than the southern rainforests. The trail is gentle and gradual.

Views: Look back for views of the Kenyan plains.

Arrival Simba Camp: Your first camp is in a forest clearing. The name “Simba” means lion—though you won’t find any here!

• Accommodation:Simba Camp (tented)

• Elevation:2,650m → 3,450m
• Distance:8 km
• Hiking Time:5-6 hours
• Habitat:Moorland
• Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Continue your ascent through heath and moorland. The vegetation becomes sparser as you gain altitude.

The Trail: The path climbs steadily across open ridges. Views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks emerge.

Lunch: Picnic en route.

Arrival Second Cave Camp: This camp offers stunning views of Mawenzi Peak. The setting is wild and remote.

• Accommodation:Second Cave Camp (tented)

• Elevation:3,450m → 3,650m
• Distance:6 km
• Hiking Time:3-4 hours
• Habitat:Alpine desert fringe
• Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: A short day—designed for acclimatization. The trail continues through open moorland with ever-improving views.

The Landscape: Giant groundsels and lobelias appear as you gain altitude.

Arrival Kikelewa Camp: This small camp sits in a sheltered valley with views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.

Afternoon: Rest and acclimatize. Short walk optional.

• Accommodation:Kikelewa Camp (tented)

• Elevation:3,650m → 4,300m
• Distance:5 km
• Hiking Time:3-4 hours
• Habitat:Alpine desert
• Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Continue your ascent toward the base of Mawenzi Peak. The landscape becomes increasingly barren and dramatic.

The Trail: The path climbs steeply to Mawenzi Tarn, a small lake nestled beneath the towering peaks of Mawenzi.

Arrival Mawenzi Tarn Camp: This is one of the most spectacular campsites on the mountain—dramatic rock formations, a small tarn (lake), and views across to Kibo.

Afternoon: Rest and acclimatize. The altitude is significant—move slowly.

• Accommodation:Mawenzi Tarn Camp (tented)

• Elevation:4,300m → 4,700m
• Distance:8 km
• Hiking Time:4-5 hours
• Habitat:Alpine desert
• Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Traverse the “saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This is a lunar landscape—rocky, dusty, and exposed.

The Trail: The path is relatively flat but the altitude makes it challenging. Move slowly.

Arrival Kibo Hut: Kibo Hut sits at the base of the final ascent. It’s basic and functional.

Afternoon: Rest and prepare for summit night. Your guide will brief you on what to expect.

Early Dinner: Eat by 5 PM. Try to sleep by 6 PM. Summit night begins at midnight.

• Accommodation:Kibo Hut (dormitory, very basic)

• Elevation:4,700m → 5,895m → 3,720m
• Distance:15 km total
• Hiking Time:12-15 hours
• Habitat:Arctic to moorland
• Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Summit Day

11:30 PM – Wake Up: Tea and biscuits. Prepare for the ascent.

Midnight – Departure: Begin the final ascent by headlamp. The path is steep switchbacks up loose scree.

6:00 AM: Gilman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim. Sunrise views.

Another 1-2 hours: Uhuru Peak – 5,895m. Congratulations!

Descent: Back to Kibo Hut for rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut.

• Accommodation:Horombo Hut (dormitory)

• • Elevation:3,720m → 1,870m
  • Distance:20 km
  • Hiking Time:5-7 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

  Final Descent: Descend through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificate. Transfer to Moshi for celebration.

  • Accommodation:Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort (Moshi)
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

• Meals:Breakfast