RONGAI ROUTE

5 or 6 days

The 5-day route is for experienced hikers who do not require additional acclimatization in order to reach the summit. For the 5-day route, we’ll follow the itinerary below, except we will skip the acclimatization hikes on Day 3. Instead, we will proceed from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut on Day 3.

Driving distance from Moshi to Marangu Gate: 39 km.
Driving Time: 1 hour

Day 1
Nalemoru Gate - Simba Camp

Distance: 7 km. / 4.3 mi.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation: 1997 m. / 6552 ft. to 2635 m. / 8645 ft.

Habitat: Rainforest

We leave from Moshi and drive 4 to 5 hours along coffee plantations to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We hike through beautiful woods to Simba camp, at the edge of the heath moorland zone. Simba camp offers spectacular views of the plains of Kenya. After we arrive, we take a 100 meter acclimatization hike, if the weather obliges.

Day 2
Simba Camp - Second Cave Camp

Distance: 5.8 km. / 3.6 mi.

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Elevation: 2,635 m. / 8,645 ft. to 3,487 m. / 11,440 ft.

Habitat: Rainforest to Heath Moorland

In the morning, we explore the remarkable Simba cave. Then we begin our steady ascent over the moorland, enjoying views of Kibo and the ice fields on its eastern rim.

Day 3
Second Cave Camp - Kikelewa Camp

Distance: 6 km. / 3.7 mi.

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Elevation: 3,487 m. / 11,440 ft. to 3,675 m. / 12,057 ft.

Habitat: Heath Moorland

Today we view Kilimanjaro on our right side and farming villages on our left. We may also see water buffalo on Kenya's side. As we climb toward the eastern ice fields, the jagged peaks of Mawenzi come into view.

Day 4
Kikelewa Camp - Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Distance: 3.8 km. / 2.3 mi.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hrs.

Elevation: 3,487m. / 11,440 ft. to 4,302 m. / 14,114 ft.

Habitat: Heath Moorland to Alpine Desert

Today is a short but steep climb up the grassy slope, to a mountain tarn that lies beneath the impressive spires of Mawenzi. The views are magnificent as you pass through the transition from the Heath Moorland to the Alpine Desert zones. In the afternoon, you may rest or explore the surrounding area to help you adapt to the elevation.

The 7-day version of this trek includes an acclimatization day, which will significantly increase your chances of reaching the summit. Your guide will lead your group on a 2.5 – 3 hr. hike, up 200 m. to the towers of Mawenzi (4,500 – 4,600 m. elevation). You will explore the stunning, almost lunar Arctic Desert landscape, as you walk along the Saddle that connects the Mawenzi Volcano to Kibo, before returning to your hut to rest up for the summit push over the next two days.

Day 5
Mawenzi Tarn - Kibo Hut

Distance: 8.9 km. / 5 mi.

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Elevation: 4,302 m. / 14,114 ft. to 4714 m. / 15,466 ft.

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We cross a rocky desert over the “saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo, to reach camp at the bottom of the Kibo caldera (crater). You rest for the remainder of the day, in preparation for your final evening ascent.

Day 6
Kibo Huts - Uhuru Peak - Horombo Huts

Distance: 4 km. / 2.5 mi. UP and 15.7 km. / 9.8 mi. DOWN

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Elevation: 4,302 m. / 14,114 ft. to 5,895 m. / 19,341 ft. to 3,721 m. / 12,208 ft.

Habitat: Alpine Desert to Arctic Summit to Heath Moorland

At around midnight, you wake up to hot tea and biscuits. Then we begin our most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trip. We hike between two glaciers, Rebmann and Ratzel, over heavy scree, until reaching Gilman’s Point. After the 20 minute walk along the crater rim from Gilman’s Point to Stella Point, we’ll rest briefly, enjoy ginger tea, and watch the beautiful sunrise. (Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.) Our stay at the peak is brief, so you will want to quickly take many pictures of the icy cliffs of the crater walls, the surrounding glaciers, and the incredible African vistas. Then, you’ll descend the steep, scree slopes to Kibo Hut for lunch and a brief rest. From Kibo, we’ll continue our trek down to Horombo Huts, where we enjoy dinner and a well-deserved night’s rest.

Day 7
Horombo Huts - Marangu Gate - Moshi

Distance: 20 km. / 12.5 mi.

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours

Elevation: 3,721 m. / 12,208 ft. to 1,905 m. / 6,250 ft.

Habitat: Heath Moorland to Rainforest

After breakfast, we continue the descent, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. At the Marangu Park Gate, you receive your summit certificates and a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!!