Kilimanjaro Climb 7 Days Rongai Route

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1

  Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp (LD)

  Depart for the picturesque wooden village of Nale Moru, approximately a 2-hour drive including a stop to obtain permits at Marangu. Upon arrival, sign in and prepare the porters before commencing the hike on a wide path meandering through fields of maize and potatoes, eventually leading into the pine forest. The trail gradually ascends through the enchanting forest, home to a variety of wildlife. As the forest thins out, reach the first camp at the edge of the moorland zone, offering extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

  • — Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
  • — Distance: 6km/4mi
  • — Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • — Habitat: Montane Forest
  • Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
  • Budget Accommodations: Simba Camp

• Day 2

  Hike from Simba Camp to Second Cave (BLD)

  Embark on a steady ascent in the morning to Second Cave, enjoying superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

  • — Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
  • — Distance: 6km/4mi
  • — Walking Time: 3-4 hours
  • — Habitat: Moorland
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Budget Accommodations: Second Cave Camp

• Day 3

  Hike from Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp (BLD)

  Set out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite, nestled in a sheltered valley with giant senecios nearby, awaits.

  • — Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft
  • — Distance: 9km/5mi
  • — Walking Time: 2-3 hours
  • — Habitat: Semi-desert
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Budget Accommodations: Kikelewa Camp

• Day 4

  Hike from Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (BLD)

  Embark on a short but steep climb up grassy slopes, rewarded with superb views. Leave the vegetation behind as you approach the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon resting or exploring the surrounding area to aid acclimatization. If an extra day on the mountain is planned, camp here for two nights and use the time for an acclimatization hike around Mawenzi.

  • — Elevation: 3600m/11,800ft to 4330m/14,200ft
  • — Distance: 6km/4mi
  • — Walking Time: 3-4 hours
  • — Habitat: Semi-desert
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Budget Accommodations: Mawenzi Tarn Camp

• Day 5

  Hike from Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (BLD)

  Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach the Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Spend the remainder of the day resting in preparation for the early final ascent.

  • — Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft
  • — Distance: 9km/5mi
  • — Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • — Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Budget Accommodations: Kibo Hut Camp

• Day 6

  Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hut (BLD)

  Commence the climb to the summit very early in the morning, ascending steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, for breathtaking views. Descend to Horombo Hut for the night. The initial climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights, with the descent starting after a rest and lunch at Kibo. Expect cold temperatures until descending, so ensure warm layers are worn. This is the most challenging part of the trek with numerous switchbacks. A slow, steady pace and positive attitude are crucial.

  • — Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
  • — Down to 3700m/12,200ft
  • — Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
  • — Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
  • — Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Budget Accommodations: Horombo Hut Camp

• Day 7

  Hike from Horombo Hut to the trailhead, drive to Arusha (B)

  After breakfast, descend steadily through moorland to the Mandara Hut, then through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, conditions may be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village for the drive back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour). Remember to tip your guides and porters. It's time to celebrate your achievement!

  • — Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
  • — Distance: 20km/12.5mi
  • — Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • — Habitat: Forest
  • Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch