Conquer the best Kilimanjaro’s Summit in 7-Day Rongai Route
Day 1: Arrival & Briefing
Arrival in Moshi/Arusha: You’ll be picked up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Meet your expert guide for a pre-climb briefing and gear check.
Accommodation: Overnight at a comfortable hotel.
Day 2: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Elevation: 1,950m/6,398ft to 2,600m/8,530ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Habitat: Montane Forest
After a hearty breakfast, drive to the Rongai Gate at the northern side of Kilimanjaro. Begin the trek through the remote wilderness and farmland landscapes. You’ll gradually ascend to Simba Camp for your first overnight stay on the mountain.
Day 3: Simba Camp to Second Cave
Elevation: 2,600m/8,530ft to 3,450m/11,319ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km (4 miles)
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, you’ll trek through moorland terrain. Enjoy stunning views of the Kibo Peak along the way. Arrive at the Second Cave campsite in the early afternoon, allowing plenty of time to rest and acclimatize.
Day 4: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
Elevation: 3,450m/11,319ft to 3,600m/11,811ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Habitat: Moorland/Alpine Desert
Continue your ascent as the landscape becomes more barren. The trek to Kikelewa Camp offers impressive views of the mountain. You’ll arrive in the afternoon, with time to explore the surrounding area and prepare for higher altitudes.
Day 5: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Elevation: 3,600m/11,811ft to 4,330m/14,206ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Habitat: Alpine Desert This day is shorter but steeper as you hike towards the dramatic Mawenzi Tarn, nestled beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak. This is an excellent spot for acclimatization and to enjoy the stark beauty of Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert.
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 4,330m/14,206ft to 4,700m/15,420ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Cross the lunar desert of the Saddle, located between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Kibo Hut, where you’ll rest and prepare for the summit push. Go to bed early as the climb to the summit begins at midnight.
Day 7: Summit Day – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 4,700m/15,420ft to 5,895m/19,341ft (Uhuru Peak), then descend to 3,720m/12,204ft (Horombo Hut)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 6-8 hours descent
Distance: 22 km (13.7 miles)
Habitat: Arctic to Alpine Desert
Your guide will wake you at midnight for the final ascent. Trek through the darkness towards Gilman’s Point (5,685m/18,651ft) on the crater rim. Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement at the summit, descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then proceed to Horombo Hut for your final night on the mountain.
Day 8: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation: 3,720m/12,204ft to 1,860m/6,102ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles)
Habitat: Rainforest
Continue your descent through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you will sign out of the park and receive your Kilimanjaro certificate. A vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest and celebration dinner.
Day 9: Departure
Transfer to the airport: Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure or onward journey.
Package Inclusion & Exclusions
Inclusion
Guide, Porters
Park Fees, Tax
Gate transfer
Crew wages
Environment fees
camping throughout you climb!
Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners
Drinking water
Cook
Exclusion
Package Inclusion & Exclusions
Inclusion
Guide, Porters
Park Fees, Tax
Gate transfer
Crew wages
Environment fees
camping throughout you climb!
Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners
Drinking water
Cook
Exclusion
Flights
Tipping the crew
Visas
Flights
Tipping the crew
Visas
