7 Days Rongai Route
Day One: Rongai Gate (1,800m/5,900ft) to First Cave Camp (2,600m/8,400ft) Elevation Gain: 760 meters, 2,000 feet
After early breakfast in Arusha/Moshi, drive to Rongai Gate near Kenya border. Begin climb to conquer Mt Kilimanjaro Uhuru Peak. Hike through forests inhabited with some wildlife. Enjoy lunch along the trail before reaching the campsite. Rongai route ascend via the less forested northern side of mountain.
Day Two: First Cave Camp (2,600m/8,400ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft) Elevation Gain: 1,000 meters, 3,280 feet
Day two hike through Kilimanjaro moorland. The Rongai route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter hiking time. During the day you can view Mawenzi Peak ahead.
Day Three: Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft) Elevation Gain: 730 meters, 2,390 feet
The dedicated day for acclimatization by hiking during morning then afternoon and evening rest. The hike is relatively short but steep. Mawenzi Tarn campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.
Day Four: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day four is acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn. We advise hiking a bit higher this day before returning to Mawenzi Tarn in the afternoon.
Day Five: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft)
Elevation Gain: 420 meters/1380 feet
Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle on this day to arrive at the final campsite. Kibo Camp is situated directly below the Kibo cone, giving you views of your final destination.
Day Six, Summit day, Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters, 3,760 feet, Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters, 7,140 feet
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point.
Hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru is a gradual climb. The altitude, however make hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru take photos at the peak before beginning to descent to Horombo Hut.
Day Seven: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) Elevation Loss: 1,920 meters, 6,295 feet
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro forest. Watch your step during descent as the trail can be slippery. Upon arrive at Marangu Gate meet your drive and transfer back to Arusha/Moshi.
