7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Adventure via Rongai Route

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Rongai Gate (2,000m) to Simba Camp (2,650m)
1 stop
1
Mount Kilimanjaro
Your adventure begins with a morning transfer from Moshi or Arusha to the Rongai Gate near the Kenyan border, at an altitude of 2,000 meters. After registration and briefing, the trek starts through a forest path that offers rich scenery and possible sightings of colobus monkeys and tropical birds. The trail gradually ascends, making it ideal for acclimatization. After about 3 to 4 hours of trekking, you arrive at Simba Camp, located on the edge of the moorland zone at 2,650 meters. The camp offers scenic views of the plains and is a quiet spot for your first night on the mountain.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Simba Camp (2,650m) to Second Cave Camp (3,450m)
1 stop
2
Mount Kilimanjaro
Today’s trek continues through open moorland, with expansive views of Kibo’s eastern glaciers and the rugged terrain of northern Tanzania. The trail climbs steadily as the vegetation thins out, transitioning from forest to heather and moorland. After about 4 to 5 hours of trekking, you reach Second Cave Camp at 3,450 meters. This site offers great views of the Eastern Ice Fields and is known for its cool temperatures and clear skies. It also serves as a great acclimatization point. Optional short walks are available in the afternoon to aid acclimatization.
5 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Second Cave Camp (3,450m) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)
1 stop
3
Mount Kilimanjaro
You continue your trek with a gradual climb across undulating terrain before tackling a steeper section leading up to Kikelewa Camp. The vegetation becomes more sparse, and you begin to feel the altitude more noticeably. The camp is situated in a sheltered valley near a small seasonal stream at 3,600 meters, with stunning views of the towering Mawenzi Peak ahead. The trek takes about 3 to 4 hours, allowing for plenty of time to rest and adjust to the altitude. This stage plays a critical role in gradual acclimatization before ascending higher.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Kikelewa Camp (3,600m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)
1 stop
4
Mount Kilimanjaro
The trail becomes steeper as you climb up a grassy slope into the alpine desert zone. After a challenging but rewarding 3 to 4-hour trek, you arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, dramatically located beneath the spires of Mawenzi Peak at 4,330 meters. This is one of the most scenic campsites on the route, set beside a mountain tarn and surrounded by towering rock walls. In the afternoon, you’ll take a short acclimatization hike to a nearby ridge or plateau to improve your chances for a successful summit.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m) to Kibo Hut (4,700m)
1 stop
5
Mount Kilimanjaro
Leaving Mawenzi behind, today’s route crosses the saddle—a barren, lunar-like landscape between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. The trek is gradual but feels demanding due to the high altitude and dry, dusty terrain. After 5 to 6 hours of trekking, you arrive at Kibo Hut at 4,700 meters, where you’ll rest, rehydrate, and prepare for the summit attempt starting at midnight. A detailed briefing is given in the evening. This is the final camp before the summit push, and conserving energy is essential.
6 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 6
Kibo Hut (4,700m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), descend to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
1 stop
6
Mount Kilimanjaro
You’ll wake around midnight for the final summit push under starry skies. The trail leads to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim, then on to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. The ascent is steep and challenging, taking 6–8 hours. After celebrating and taking photos, you descend back to Kibo Hut for rest and a quick meal before continuing down to Horombo Hut at 3,720m. The total trekking time today is 12–16 hours, and it's both the most physically and mentally demanding day of the climb.
15 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 7
Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,870m) & Drop-off
1 stop
7
Mount Kilimanjaro
The final day involves a long descent through heath and rainforest zones, passing Mandara Hut en route. After 5–7 hours of trekking, you reach Marangu Gate (1,870m), where you sign out and receive your summit certificate. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-earned rest. Today marks the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
7 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

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