Itinerary

1. Day 1 | Rongai Gate / Nalemoru (1950m) to Simba Camp (2650m) (First Cave Camp) WalkingTime: 3-4hrs Distance: 6.5km Altitude Gain: 700m

   • In the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel and drive to the Marangu Gate, approximately 1.8 km away. 
   • After completing the necessary park registration, we will continue to the Nalemoru Gate, just under 2 km from there. At the gate, you will have the chance to meet your crew, and a comforting hot lunch will be served.
   • We will then embark on the Rongai Route, starting with a great journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. 
   • The trek on the Rongai Route begins with a winding path that crosses a maize field. As we enter the dense forest, the path becomes misty and moist. The trees above are home to striking blue monkeys, contrasting black and white colobus monkeys, and adorable bush babies.
   • The trek lasts three to four hours on the Rongai Route, and we will spend the night at Simba Camp, located at 2,650 meters. Comprehensive camping facilities are provided to ensure a comfortable stay.

2. Day 2 | Simba Camp (2650m) to Kikelewa Caves (3600m) (Third Caves Camp) Walking Time: 6-7hrs Distance: 9km Altitude Gain: 950m

   • In the morning, the journey along the Rongai Route towards Kibo will resume. 
   • At the second ancient cave, an appetizing hot lunch will be served. After lunch, we will trek through a brief section of the barren dunes of the moorland and continue amid the heather vegetation zone, which is studded with ethereal, enormous lobelias.
   • Along the Rongai Route, there is a high possibility of viewing the breathtaking display of the Kibo peak. 
   • You might also spot jackals and the occasional buffalo; there’s no need to panic as your guide will accompany you at all times. Once we reach the Kikelewa Caves camp (3,600 m), you can relax for the remaining hours of the day.

3. Day 3 | Kikelewa Caves (3600m) to Mawenzi Tarn (4330m) Walking Time: 3-4hrs Distance: 6km Altitude Gain: 370m

   • Breakfast will be served at the campsite.
   • Our day on the Rongai Route begins with a short, inclined pasture that leads to an area of wilderness. A low desert environment will replace the limited vegetation as we progress.
   • We will arrive at the Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330 m) on the Rongai Route, where a delectable hot lunch will be served. There may be opportunities for small excursions for acclimatization, but you are likely to spend the rest of the day lounging at the campsite.

4. Day 4 | : Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4700m) Walking Time: 4-5hrs Distance: 9km Altitude Gain: 370m

   • Note that the Rongai Route progressively becomes steeper and stonier as we advance further away from the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. We will travel up a desolate site that leads to ‘The Saddle’ – an extensive lunar lava stone landscape that stretches between Mawenzi and Kibo.
   • The Rongai Route journey is complemented by the marvelous views of the towering upper regions of Kilimanjaro. Our trek on the Rongai Route will come to an end when we reach the Kibo Huts (4,703 m), and a steaming hot meal will be served in the afternoon.
   • You can relax for the remainder of the day. We recommend that you try to get to bed early so you are revitalized for the climb to the summit at midnight.

5. Day 5 | Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m) Walking Time: 6-8hrs ascent, 5-6hrs descent Distance: 5km ascent, 15km descent Altitude Gain: 1195m, Altitude Loss: 2195m

   • Our voyage on the Rongai Route to the summit begins at midnight, marking the longest and most laborious day of the trek. The trail starts with a long, steep slope until we reach the Hans Meyer Cave. From there, the path narrows into a twisting, single-file lane.
   • To reach Gillman’s Point (5,685 m) on the Rongai Route, you will navigate a brief, rocky terrain that requires some climbing. This is the most challenging part of the ascent. Once at Gillman’s Point, you’ll know Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) is just a two-hour hike away.
   • Upon reaching Uhuru Peak and witnessing the first peach-hued rays of light against the ice-laden fields of Mawenzi Peaks, you will fully appreciate the magnitude of your achievement. We won’t linger at Uhuru Peak as we need to start our descent to the Kibo Hut for a short, desirable break.
   • We will then proceed on the Rongai Route to the Horombo Huts, where you will feel a great sense of relief and joy at the sight of your sleeping bag.

6. Day 6 | : Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1800m) Walking Time: 5-6hrs Distance: 20km Altitude Gain: 1195m Altitude Loss: 1900m

   • After breakfast, we will descend along the Rongai Route to the Marangu Gate. On our journey, we will pass by the Mandara Hut and travel through the lush rainforest once more.
   • Upon reaching the Marangu Gate, you will receive a certificate as proof of completing the 6-day Rongai Route. After celebrating with your porters, we will transport you back to the hotel. 
   • There, a piping hot shower, a soft mattress, and fresh clothes will be waiting for you. You might even enjoy trying one or two Kilimanjaro beers!
   • We will then transfer you to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight back home. If you’ve chosen to go on a safari, that’s another adventure we’ll be happy to arrange for you!