6 Days Rongai Route

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1

  Rongai Start Point (1996m) – Simba Camp (2626m)

  Hiking Time: 4 hours • Distance: Approximately 6.7km • Habitat: Forest (Montane) We depart from Moshi town and embark on a 45-minute drive to Marangu Park Gate for registration. From there, we proceed to Naro Moru, an additional 68km journey taking approximately 2 ½ hours on rugged roads to the Rongai starting point (1996m). Our hike commences from the Nale Moru village, where a small winding path leads us through maize fields before entering a pine forest. The trail, although not steep, offers a gentle ascent through stunning countryside. We spend the night at Simba Camp (2626m), where camp facilities include a public toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no huts.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Simba Hut

• Day 2

  Simba Camp (2626m) – Kikelewa Camp (3679m)

  Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours • Distance: Approximately 11.8 km • Habitat: Moorlands We trek from Simba Camp to Kibo (3482m) and break for lunch at First Caves after covering a distance of 5.8km. Continuing after lunch, we hike until we reach Kikelewa Camp at approximately 3679m. Here, you'll be treated to magnificent views, including a stream of water below the cave.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp

• Day 3

  Kikelewa Cave (3679m) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4303m)

  Hiking Time: 3 hours • Distance: Approximately 3.7km • Habitat: Moorlands
  A brief but steep climb up grassy slopes provides breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Shortly after, the vegetation zone gives way as we reach our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, nestled beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. This afternoon is dedicated to acclimatization and exploring the area.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp

• Day 4

  Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4303m) – Kibo Hut (4730m)

  Hiking Time: 5 hours • Distance: Approximately 9 km • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  Following breakfast, we trek westward, ascending the east side of Kibo. Crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo takes 4 to 5 hours, culminating in our arrival at Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which commences around midnight. Overnight stay at Kibo Hut.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Kibo Hut

• Day 5

  Summit Attempt

  Kibo Hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3705m)
  Hiking Time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak | 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo Distance: Approximately 5.4km ascent and 15 km descent Habitat: Stone Scree / Ice-cap Summit
  Expect a total walking time of around 14 hours, making this a very challenging day. You'll begin your ascent around 23h20, starting with some tea and biscuits. The initial leg of the trail leads to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), serving as a resting spot. Zigzagging up to Gillman’s Point (5681m) follows, which is situated on the crater rim and is very steep with lots of stone scree, requiring considerable physical and mental effort. This section is arguably the toughest part of the entire route. From Gillman's Point, expect snow all the way up to Uhuru Peak (5895m), Africa's highest point!
  The duration spent at the summit will depend on weather conditions, allowing for photography and enjoying the stunning scenery. Following this, commence a 3-hour descent back to Kibo Hut. After a brief rest at Kibo Hut, collect all remaining gear and descend to Horombo Hut (3 hours) for overnight. The return journey to Horombo Hut will feel remarkably swift compared to the ascent. Later in the evening, enjoy your final dinner on the mountain before a well-deserved rest.

• Day 6

  Horombo Hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m)

  Hiking Time: 6 hours • Distance: Approximately 19.7 km • Habitat: Moorland & Montane Forest
  After breakfast, embark on a descent lasting approximately 6 hours, passing Mandara Hut en route to Marangu Gate. Successful climbers receive their summit certificates at Marangu Gate, with those reaching Gillman’s Point (5685m) awarded green certificates, and those reaching Uhuru Peak (5895m) receiving gold certificates. Following this, return to Moshi for a long-awaited hot shower and celebratory gathering.