DAY 1: RONGAI GATE TO SIMBA CAMP

• Distance: 6km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest

Beginning our Kilimanjaro expedition, you will be driven from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, embarking on a scenic 5-hour drive towards the Rongai Gate, situated near the Kenya border. Upon reaching the gate, we will proceed with the necessary registration process before embarking on our initial hike through captivating forests, where there is a strong possibility of encountering and enjoying the sights and sounds of wildlife.

Along the hike, we will take a break to relish a satisfying lunch on the trail before continuing towards our first campsite. It is important to note that the Rongai Route takes us up the mountain’s northern side, which features a lower density of forests.The Rongai Route distinguishes itself from other options available on Kilimanjaro due to its comparatively lower amount of foot traffic, primarily because it requires a longer distance to reach the gate. It is widely recognized as the route that offers the highest chance of encountering wildlife during the journey.

DAY 2: FIRST CAVE CAMP TO KIKELEWA CAMP

• Distance: 9km
• Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Hike through Kilimanjaro’s moorland. The Rongai route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter hiking times. During the hike, view Mawenzi Peak ahead.

DAY 3: KIKELEWA CAMP TO MAWENZI TARN CAMP

• Distance: 6km
• Hiking Time: 4 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

On this day dedicated to acclimatization, you will experience a more relaxed schedule. The day begins with a morning hike, which is followed by a restful afternoon and evening. The hike itself is relatively brief but has steep inclines. The Mawenzi Tarn campsite, located beneath Mawenzi Peak, provides breathtaking vistas of both Mawenzi and Kibo campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.

DAY 4: MAWENZI TARN CAMPSITE

• Distance: 4km
• Hiking Time:3 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

This is an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn. We advise you hiking a bit higher this day before returning to Mawenzi Tarn in the afternoon.

DAY 5: MAWENZI TARN CAMP TO KIBO CAMP

• Distance:4km
• Hiking Time: 3 hours
• Habitat:Alpine desert

Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle on this day to arrive at the final campsite. Kibo Camp is situated directly below the Kibo cone, giving you stunning uninterrupted views of your final destination.

DAY 6: KIBO CAMP TO UHURU PEAK TO HOROMBO HUT

• Distance:6 km ascent/16km descent
• Hiking Time:6-8 hours
• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

At approximately midnight, commence the ultimate ascent towards Uhuru Peak, the highest summit in Africa. Over the next six hours, trek illuminated by the light of your flashlight. The journey to the rim of the crater presents the most demanding section of the entire trek, with the trail being exceedingly steep until you reach Gilman’s Point.

Once you arrive at Gilman’s Point, the hike from there to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, in terms of hiking difficulty, relatively moderate. However, the high altitude adds length and fatigue to the hike. It typically takes around two hours to traverse the crater rim. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, capture memorable photographs of your guide and group at the summit before commencing the descent towards Horombo Hut.

DAY 7: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE

• Distance:20km
• Hiking Time: 6 – 8 hours
• Walking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Moorlands

Following breakfast, conclude the trek by descending to Marangu Gate. This final hike on Kilimanjaro is a splendid one, as you traverse through the captivating cloud forest of the mountain. It is important to exercise caution during the descent, as the trail may be slippery. At Marangu Gate, our vehicles will be ready and waiting to transport you back to your hotel.