Climbing Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7-Days Trek

Elevation: 6,398 ft. to 9,300 ft.
Hike Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest

The trek begins with a drive from Moshi to the Marangu Gate for permitting, then a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path begins winding through fields of corn and potatoes and rises gradually to a broad path ascending through the rainforest. The rainforest is a magnificent habitat, rich in wildlife such as beautiful black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Cave Rongai to Second Cave
Altitude: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Heath

Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Altitude: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Heath

The day begins with a gradual ascent to Second Cave. From here, the trek continues through the open moorland, leaving the main trail as we deviate onto a smaller path that heads toward the rocky peak of Mawenzi. The hike finishes at Kikelewa Cave, which will be our camp for the night.

Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
Estimated Hiking Time: 3 - 4 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today's hike, although short, takes us up a steep grassy slope. The views of the surrounding wilderness are spectacular. As we leave the heath zone and enter the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape gets dramatically different, with stark, rugged beauty. The night's camp is Mawenzi Tarn, set beneath the towering, jagged spires of Mawenzi. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the unique landscape surrounding the camp.

Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
Elevation: 14,160 ft to 14,400 ft
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 2 km | 1 mile
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn

Elevation: 14,400 ft to 14,160 ft
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 2 km | 1 mile
Habitat: Alpine Desert

This is an acclimatization day with a day hike to Mawenzi Ridge. The landscape here is quite different, and the views of Kibo and Mawenzi are both spectacular and inspiring. After spending some time here and taking in the views, we make our way down to Mawenzi Tarn and overnight.

Elevation: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin with a gradual ascent, crossing across the barren, lunar-like desert that is the "Saddle" separating Mawenzi from Kibo. Today's destination is Kibo Hut, which lies at the base of the Kibo crater wall. We arrive in the afternoon and rest and have an early dinner in preparation for summit day.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience-summit night! An early wake-up call around midnight lets you refuel your body with a light meal before starting your pre-dawn ascent. Headlamps will light up the path as you make your way upward, toiling over the difficult terrain-a loose scree field-considered the most demanding part of the climb.

You will be rewarded when you reach Gilman's Point at sunrise. The views from this magnificent vantage point in panoramic perspective will be one of the finest views you have ever seen; worth celebrating your success and taking unforgettable photos. But here comes the ultimate goal! Then, after a short rest, you head up along the rim of the crater to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The last part gets heavier with an increasing slope.

This final climb to Uhuru Peak may have snow, depending on the season. You will be on top of the world, filled with a sense of accomplishment, standing at 5,895 meters above sea level. Take in the breathtaking views; take a couple of photos alongside the Uhuru Peak sign for souvenirs of your great achievement and pat your own back-congratulations, you have conquered the "Roof of Africa!"

You will now find the descent back to Kibo Huts much quicker, considering the high spirits within you. Have your well-deserved lunch at Kibo Huts and then continue down to Horombo Huts for a restful night's sleep after this epic adventure.

On your final day, the welcome descent through lush rainforest is a refreshing contrast to the challenging climb you've mastered. This 5-7 hour trek leads you back to Marangu Gate, where you'll celebrate with a hearty lunch and say a heartfelt goodbye to your incredible mountain crew. This will be an emotional farewell-the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure-but these memories will last a lifetime.

Later, this will be followed by a scenic drive back to Moshi, awaiting you for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner to boot-it is simply the best way to relax and contemplate on your lifetime achievement, having conquered Kilimanjaro.