7-Day, 6-Nights Rongai Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly greeted and transported to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Enjoy a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay, followed by a hearty breakfast to prepare you for the adventures ahead.

After a hearty breakfast, we will transfer you to Rongai Gate, winding through a charming wooden village and picturesque corn and potato fields. The climb begins at 2,150 meters, with a gentle yet steady ascent through a magnificent forest, home to various species, including the striking Kilimanjaro Colobus monkeys, adorned with their black fur and flowing white capes. As the forest thins out, you’ll reach the first camp at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 meters), offering expansive views of the Kenyan lowlands. This initial trek takes approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

The morning trek involves a steady ascent to the 'Second Cave' at 3,450 meters, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After a refreshing lunch, we leave the main trail, taking a narrower path across the moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is nestled in a secluded valley near the Kikelewa Caves at 3,600 meters, offering spectacular views. Depending on your program, the third camp might serve as an alternative. This day's journey involves 6 to 7 hours of walking.

A short but challenging hike over grassy slopes rewards you with spectacular panoramic vistas and a profound sense of nature's grandeur. We leave the vegetation behind as we approach our next camp, Mawenzi Tarn, magnificently located in a cirque directly beneath Mawenzi's towering spires at 4,330 meters. The afternoon is free for you to rest or explore the surroundings, aiding in acclimatization. This day's trek involves 3 to 4 hours of walking.

We traverse the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo, reaching the School encampment at 4,750 meters, nestled at the base of the Kibo crater rim. Spend the rest of the day recuperating, preparing for the final ascent, and retiring early for the night. This day's trek involves 4 to 5 hours of walking.

Begin the final, steepest, and most challenging section of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. Slowly trek in the darkness along a switchback track through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (5,685 meters). Pause to witness a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi before continuing. Those with energy can undertake the three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 meters), passing near stunning glaciers and ice cliffs. The descent to Kibo (4,700 meters) is swift, and after a brief rest, continue to our final campsite at Horombo (3,720 meters). This day involves 11–15 hours of trekking.

Wake up to a tranquil morning and embark on a leisurely descent across the moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m), your first stop on the journey back to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830m). Enjoy the scenic views and take your time as you descend, soaking in the beauty of the surroundings. The descent will take approximately 5-6 hours of walking. Once you reach the gate, you will be transferred to your overnight hotel in Arusha or Moshi, marking the end of your memorable adventure on Kilimanjaro.