8 Days Rongai Route

Day 1: Airport Pickup | Moshi

Upon arrival at the airport, your driver will give you a warm welcome and transfer you to your hotel in town, where you can relax after your long journey. Before you begin your adventure of climbing Kilimanjaro, your experienced mountain guide will meet you and give you a thorough briefing on the hike. You will have the rest of the day to enjoy some leisure time and prepare for your upcoming trip.

Included: Dinner

Day 2: Nale Muru | Simba Camp

You will be picked up in the morning and then drive through several villages and coffee plantations to the village of Nale Moru on the northeast side of the mountain, where you will meet your crew. The first part of the hike leads through rainforest, which thins out quickly on the dry north side. You will soon reach the heath zone. Your first camp is Simba Camp, located close to First Cave at 2,840 m, where you crew will set up the tents for the night.

Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours

Included: Snacks, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Simba Camp | Second Cave

Today you will start with a steady climb up to the Second Cave. The route takes in a long stretch of moorland, characterized by heather, wildflowers and rocky paths. Meanwhile, enjoy the views of Kibo and the east facing glaciers on the crater rim. After lunch, you will leave the main trail and follow a narrower path to the rugged peaks of Mawenzi. Eventually you will reach the Second Cave at 3,450 m.

Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours

Included: Snacks, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Second Cave | Third Cave

This day is crucial for acclimatization. Take the morning to unwind and enjoy the surroundings. As midday approaches, it's time to leave the camp and venture through the heather region, tracing a narrow path that leads you towards the rugged summits of Mawenzi and Third Cave (3,870 m).

Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours

Included: Snacks, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Third Cave | Mawenzi Tarn Hut

Today you will hike to the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. After a short but steep climb up the grassy mountainside, the reward is a fantastic panoramic view. The moorland gives way to rocky highlands dotted with large and small volcanic blocks, evidence of an earlier period of volcanic activity. After a few more hours on the way, you will arrive at your resting place at 4,315 m.

Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours

Included: Snacks, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Hut | Kibo Huts

You are now hiking through the almost lunar like landscape known as "The Saddle" which connects Mawenzi and Kibo. At the Kibo Huts at 4.750 m you will have dinner and time to rest before the summit climb. Prepare your gear and warm clothing for the next day. Your guide will ensure that you are well prepared for the ascent.

Hiking time: 6 – 8 hours

Included: Snacks, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Kibo Huts | Summit | Horombo Huts

You will start the ascend in the night. The first step is the 5 hour hike to Gillman's Point on the crater rim. From there, the way to the summit is a gradual climb and not very difficult in terms of hiking. However, the high altitude can make you feel exhausted. When you finally reach the summit at 5.895 m take your time to enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and take photos at the famous peak sign. After that, you will descend to the Horombo Huts at 3,700 m, where you will arrive in the afternoon.

Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours to summit & 5 – 6 hours back

Included: Snacks, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Horombo Huts | Marangu Gate | Moshi

After breakfast you will have the chance of showing your appreciation to your hardworking hiking crew at the customary "Tipping Celebration". After that, it's time to begin your descent towards the Marangu Gate, a scenic route through the cloud forest. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi or the airport if you have a flight to catch.

Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours

Included: Breakfast & Lunch