Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp

Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

  • Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
  • Distance: 6km/4mi
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Montane Forest
  • Meals: LD
  • Budget Lodging: Simba Camp

Day 2: Hike Simba Camp to Second Cave

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with 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: BLD
  • Budget Lodging: Second Cave Camp

Day 3: Hike Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp

Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.

  • Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft
  • Distance: 9km/5mi
  • Walking Time: 2-3 hours
  • Habitat: Semi-desert
  • Meals: BLD
  • Budget Lodging: Kikelewa Camp

Day 4: Hike Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn

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.

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

Day 5: Hike Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

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 very early.

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

Day 6: Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

  • 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: BLD
  • Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut Camp

Day 7: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Our vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

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

The Rongai Route is the only trail that starts from the Northern, or Kenyan side of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Because of its remote location the route offers trekkers a relatively unspoilt wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant and buffalo. The North-East side of the mountain gets significantly less moisture than the southern slopes which means that trekkers are less likely to encounter rain. Trekkers are also more likely to get clear, unclouded views of the mountain. The Rongai Route is flatter than the other Kilimanjaro routes but because of its profile it does not offer trekkers good options to climb high and sleep low.

BOOK THIS SAFARI

    Inclusive in this package:

    • Quality, waterproof mountain sleeping tents
    • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
    • All Park fees and Rescue fees
    • All meals while on the Mountain
    • Arrival and Departure transfers
    • Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
    • Mess tents with table and chairs
    • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
    • Fair and ethical treatment of porters
    • Sleeping Mattress
    • Emergency Evacuation by Flying Doctor Society of Africa

    Not included in this package:

    • Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival
    • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
    • Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc.)
    • Meals not listed above
    • Tips and any items of personal nature