The Rongai route approaches Mt. Kilimanjaro from the north near the Kenyan border. The scene is amazing. You may also encounter large animals like elephants, antelopes, and buffalo. Rongai is less visited, thus offering uncrowded trips to the summit.

This 7-day safari program will take you through the gentle inclination to the summit. You will descend through the Marangu route. Here are the details of the trip.

Day 1: Arrival Day

You arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet our team. You will be transferred to your accommodation in Moshi. You can spend the rest of the day in your hotel or exploring Moshi town.

Day 2: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

After breakfast, we head to Marangu Gate to issue our permits. We then drive to the Rongai trailhead. We will begin our hike at Nare Moru village. We will arrive at Simba Camp, which sits at the edge of the moorland zone.

• Elevation: 6398ft-9300ft
• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

Day 3: Simba Camp to Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp

After a hearty breakfast, we hike through a consistently ascending path. You will see the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We will rest at Second Cave for lunch then proceed to the Kikelewa Camp. Your chief will prepare hot washing water and a hot dinner. You will then enjoy the night.

• Elevation: 9300ft – 11,811ft
• Distance: 12 km
• Hiking time: 7-8 hours
• Habitat: Heath

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn

Today, we embark on a short but steep climb up grassy slopes. We will ascend through 4 km gaining an altitude of 600 meters. By lunchtime, we will be at Mawenzi Tarn. You are free to explore this area to acclimatize your body.

• Elevation: 11,811ft – 14,160ft
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn

After breakfast, we hike from Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge. We explore the ridge until then return to Mawenzi Tarn. This day is meant to make your body acclimatized to increase summit success. We will return to Mawenzi Tarn for dinner and overnight.

• Elevation gain: 14,160ft – 14,400ft
• Elevation loss: 14,400ft – 14,160ft
• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

We eat breakfast then hike to the west, cross a ridge, and then drop down the slope. We walk along the Saddle’s northern edge and finally reach the Kibo Hut. We arrive early at Kibo Hut. We arrive early at Kibo Hut. You will be served an early dinner. Relax your body for the summit attempt, which will begin at midnight.

• Elevation: 14,160ft – 15,430ft
• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 7: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

At around 1:30 a.m., we hike up a steep inclination. The hike is very challenging. We will take as many rests as possible. Upon arriving at Gilman’s Point (18,600ft), we enjoy the views of illuminating sunrise. A further push will get us on the Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft.), the highest peak in Africa.

We then start to descend. We will stop at Kibo Camp for lunch, then proceed to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight.

• Elevation: 15,430ft to 19,341ft to 12,205ft
• Distance: 6 km ascent & 16 km descent
• Hiking time: 6-8 hours ascent & 4-5 hours descent
• Habitat: Arctic (ascent) & Heath (descent)

Day 8: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

We enjoy our last breakfast at the mountain. We then start our last descent to Marangu Gate. Collect your summit certificates and drive back to your lodge in Moshi.

• Elevation: 12,205ft – 6,046ft
• Distance: 20 km
• Hiking time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

End of the hike