7 Days Rongai Route

Day 1: Nale Muru Gate – Simba Camp

Distance: 7km / 4.3mi | Duration: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest

Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft | Altitude Gained: 638m

Departing from Moshi a 4-5-hour drive will take you through the coffee plantations and Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery, and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife you are likely to see. Simba camp sits near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone with spectacular views of the plains of Kenya.

Day 2: Simba Camp – Second Cave Camp

Distance: 5.8km / 3.6mi | Duration: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Moorland

Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11440ft | Altitude Gained: 852m

After a good night sleep and a hearty breakfast, we continue along moorland terrain on a consistent ascending path. You will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approach the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.

Day 3: Second Cave Camp – Kikelewa Camp

Distance: 5.95km / 3.7mi | Duration: 2-3 hours | Habitat: Semi Desert

Elevation: 3487m/11,440ft to 3675m/12057ft | Altitude Gained: 188m

After breakfast and packing, you continue your steady ascent across the Moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Eastern ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn

Distance: 3.75km / 2.3mi | Duration: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Semi Desert

Elevation: 3487m/11440ft to 4302m/14114ft | Altitude Gained: 627m

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut

Distance: 8.9km / 5mi | Duration: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 4714m/15,466ft | Altitude Gained: 412m

Cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent on Summit Night.

Day 6: Summit Day - Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts

Distance: 4km / 2.5mi up, 15.75km / 9.8mi down | Duration: 5-7hrs up, 5-6hrs down

Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 5895m/19,341ft | Altitude Gained: 721m

Descent to: 3721m/12,208ft | Altitude Lost: 2174m

Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.

Congratulations! One step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Horombo Huts, stopping at Kibo for lunch and a very brief rest.

Day 7: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Moshi

Distance: 20km / 12.5mi | Duration: 6-7 hours | Habitat: Rainforest

Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft | Altitude Lost: 1816m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it's time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!