6 Days Rongai Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Later, your guide will brief you on the trek and conduct an equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary mountain gear.

Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 4 hours
Habitat: Tropical rainforest
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Your guide and mountain support crew will meet you at the hotel for a short briefing before driving to Kilimanjaro National Park’s northern entrance at Nalemoru Gate. After registration and permit formalities, you begin the trek through coniferous forest on Kilimanjaro’s northern slope. The hike is moderate, allowing you to settle into a comfortable pace. Upon arrival at Simba Camp, the crew will have your tents set up and dinner prepared. Overnight at Simba Camp (2570 m).

Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 5 hours
Habitat: Moorland zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Today’s hike offers excellent views of the eastern ice fields on Kibo’s crater rim. The trail gradually ascends through the moorland zone toward the rugged peaks of Mawenzi (5140 m). After approximately three hours of trekking, you arrive at Kikelelwa Camp for lunch, dinner, and overnight.

Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 4 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

A shorter but steeper day as you climb grassy slopes toward the dramatic spires of Mawenzi. The camp is beautifully situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering cliffs of Mawenzi Peak. The afternoon is free for rest or short acclimatization walks. Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4330 m).

Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Cross the lunar-like landscape of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This stark and open terrain leads you to Kibo Hut, where you will rest, have lunch, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.

Distance covered: 22 km
Approximate time taken: 13 hours
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

You begin your summit ascent around midnight. This is the steepest and most demanding section of the trek, tackled at a slow, steady pace set by your guide. After approximately five hours, you reach Gilman’s Point (5685 m) on the crater rim, where you enjoy a short rest and sunrise over Mawenzi.

From here, continue for about one hour to Uhuru Peak (5895 m), the highest point in Africa. After taking photos at the summit, descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest and hot lunch, then continue down to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight.

Distance covered: 20 km
Approximate time taken: 7 hours
Meal: Breakfast and lunch included

Descend through heath and moorland zones to Mandara Hut (2700 m) for lunch, then continue through lush tropical rainforest to Marangu Gate. After completing park formalities and receiving your summit certificates, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for a warm shower and celebration.

Later in the evening or the following day, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. Alternatively, we can arrange a cultural tour or safari to Tanzania’s top destinations, including Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park & Zanzibar.