7 Days Rongai Kilimanjaro Climb

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Rongai Gate (Nalemoru)

Upon arrival in Arusha or Moshi, you’ll be transferred to the Rongai Gate near the Tanzanian-Kenyan border. After registration, you’ll start your trek through lush forests, observing the local wildlife, including Colobus monkeys. The trek leads to Simba Camp, situated at an altitude of approximately 2,600 meters (8,530 feet). The day’s hike takes about 3 to 4 hours, and you’ll spend the night camping at Simba Camp.

Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp

After breakfast, you’ll continue trekking through the heather moorland zone. The path gradually ascends, offering stunning views of the eastern ice fields on the crater rim. You’ll reach Second Cave Camp, located at about 3,450 meters (11,319 feet), after 6 to 7 hours of trekking. This campsite provides an excellent opportunity to acclimatize and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings.

Day 3: Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

The journey continues as you make your way towards Kikelewa Camp. The trek becomes steeper, and the vegetation changes as you approach the higher altitudes. The trek today will take about 5 to 6 hours, reaching Kikelewa Camp at around 3,600 meters (11,811 feet). This camp is set in a sheltered valley, offering dramatic views of the mountain.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Today’s hike is shorter but steeper as you ascend towards Mawenzi Tarn, located at 4,330 meters (14,206 feet). The path passes through a stark alpine desert, and the landscape becomes more rugged. After 4 to 5 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp, which sits beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon can be spent resting and acclimatizing in preparation for the challenging days ahead.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

This day’s trek takes you across the lunar desert of the “Saddle,” which connects the twin peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. The walk is long and tiring, but the sense of isolation and the surreal landscape make it worthwhile. After 5 to 6 hours, you’ll arrive at Kibo Hut, located at 4,700 meters (15,420 feet). After an early dinner, you’ll rest and prepare for the final ascent to the summit.

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

You’ll wake up around midnight to begin your summit attempt. The path to Gilman’s Point is steep and rocky, with the thin air making progress challenging. After about 6 to 8 hours, you’ll reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at 5,685 meters (18,652 feet). From here, a further 1 to 2 hours of hiking will bring you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). After capturing your summit photos and enjoying the view, you’ll begin your descent, first back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, and then further down to Horombo Hut at 3,720 meters (12,205 feet). The total trekking time for the day can range from 12 to 16 hours, depending on your pace.

Day 7: Descent to Marangu Gate and Transfer Back

After a well-deserved rest, you’ll continue your descent through the moorland and rainforest zones. The trek to Marangu Gate takes about 5 to 6 hours. Upon reaching the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate and meet your transport back to Arusha or Moshi for some much-needed relaxation and celebration.