Kilimanjaro 7 Days Rongai Route

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Drive to Moshi.

The first day on your amazing Kilimanjaro Rongai Route journey is filled with anticipation. After arriving at the airport, you’ll be greeted warmly by our driver who’ll take you to the hotel in Moshi. You’ll then settle down before attending an orientation session. Our experienced team leaders will guide you through all the important details of your trip and offer advice for a successful journey. Your hiking gear will then be carefully inspected and adjusted if necessary. The rest of the day is spent getting ready for your life-changing adventure. Overnight on Bed and Breakfast basis.

Day 2: Moshi-Rongai Start Point (1,950amsl) to Simba Camp (2,620amsl)

• Distance: ~6km
  
• Trekking time: 3-4 hours
  
• Zone: Rainforest

On day one Rongai Route trekkers are driven from Moshi to Rongai Gate for registration before being shuttled a further 70 kilometers on poor roads to the Rongai Start Point at 1,950amsl. The trekking begins after hot lunch from Rongai village and follows a gradual and winding trail that first crosses maize fields before entering the rainforest. The first day’s hiking is easy going and you will arrive at Simba Camp (2,620amsl) around late afternoon, where you can freshen up and have dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Simba Camp (2,620amsl) to Kikelelwa Camp (3,600amsl)

• Distance: ~12km
  
• Trekking time: 7-8 hours
  
• Zone: Rainforest / Moorland Zone

On day two the hike continues from simba Camp through the rainforest before transitioning into the low alpine moorland zone where you will notice the vegetation change to shrubs and grasses. You will stop for lunch at Second Cave (3,450amsl), 6km from the Simba Camp, before turning east to Kikelelwa Camp (3,600amsl) for your overnight stay.

Day 4: Kikelelwa Camp (3,600amsl) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,300amsl)

• Distance: ~4km
  
• Trekking time: 3-4 hours
  
• Zone: Low alpine zone

Day three on the Rongai Route is a short, but steep climb from Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,300amsl) which sits in the shadow of the magnificent Mawenzi Peak. You will arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Hut in time for lunch and then have the whole afternoon to explore the surrounding area and acclimatize. Dinner and overnight stay at Mawenzi Turn Hut.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,300amsl) to Saddle (4400amsl)

• Distance: ~6km
  
• Trekking time: 4 hours
  
• Zone: Alpine desert zone

Day four is acclimatization whereby you will be trekking for almost 4hrs from Mawenzi Turn Hut to Saddle 4400amsl, then back to the camp for hot lunch and leisure, dinner and overnight stay at Mawenzi Turn Hut.

Day 6: Mawenzu Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut (4,700amsl)

• Distance: ~9km
  
• Trekking time: 7-8 hours
  
• Zone: Alpine desert zone

Day five is a long but gradual hike from Mawenzi Tarn Hut heading west with lunch box through the Saddle which is formed between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi, and up to Kibo Hut (4,700amsl). The route is dry, barren and rather inhospitable, but provides spectacular views of Kibo. At Kibo Hut you will get served dinner and will go to bed early as you will be awoken around 23:30 to begin your summit attempt. Trekkers should remember to prepare their gear, including headlamp, camera, insulated water and warm weather clothes before they go to sleep.

Day 7: Kibo Hut (4,700amsl) to Uhuru Peak (5,895amsl) and then Horombo Hut (3,720amsl)

• Distance: ~6km ascent and then 10km descent
  
• Trekking time: 6-8 hours to the summit and then 5-6 hours to Horombo Hut
  
• Zone: Summir zone, Moorland zone and low alpine zone

Day six begins at midnight, after being awoken with tea and biscuits you will begin your ascent in the dark across a rocky path to the first check point, Hans Meyer Cave at 5,150amsl. You should have a break here and refuel on an energy bar. The path then zigzags and increases in steepness as you approach Gilman’s Point 2-3 hours later at 5,681amsl. You are now on Kibo’s crater rim, a huge achievement! But you still have a 200 meter ascent to trek to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895amsl). Dig deep to find the reserves and mental stamina to push yourself up the final slopes. At Uhuru Peak you will be able to stay briefly before descending back to Kibo Hut and on to Horombo Hut. In total you will be trekking upwards of 12-16 hours. It will be one of the longest days of your life but well worth it!

Day 8: Horombo Hut (3,720amsl) to Marangu Gate (1,879amsl)

• Distance: ~19km
  
• Trekking time: 6-7 hours
  
• Zone: Moorland zone and rainforest

The final day from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,879amsl) is a long one, nearly 19km! Your knees will be sore from the previous days hike so go slowly and make sure of your footing as you descend, using your trekking poles to limit the impact on your joints. Those who got as far as Gilman’s Point but no further will be presented with a green certificate. Trekkers who made it all the way to Uhuru Peak will receive a gold certificate. Most trekkers present their trekking team with their hard earned tips at this stage before we drive to your hotel for a well-deserved hot shower, leisure and accommodation based on bed and breakfast!

Day 9: Departure from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport.

If you are flying back home we mostly recommend to book an evening flight so that you can spend in the afternoon doing shopping in Arusha and of course this is the reason why we booked your last night accommodation in Arusha. This is the beating heart of the wild and the last port of civilization. The markets of Arusha burst with color, and throng with locals picking up their weekly wares. The numerous cafes sell dark and deliciously good coffee from the plantations, and close by the infamous National Park lures visitors in to explore her evocative Maasai culture and exotic flora and fauna. In the late evening, depending on your flight time we will come to pick you up and drop you at Airport.

End of our service.