Kilimanjaro 7 Days Rongai Route

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 the pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through an 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

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.

We will head out across the moorland on a smaller path toward 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.

This short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded with 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.

Cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach the 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.

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we will commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point, located on the crater rim (elevation: 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing onward, 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 will descend, stopping for lunch at Kibo before continuing 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 challenging part of the trek, with many switchbacks. Going slowly and having 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.

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy so gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

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