Itinerary Highlights
- Duration in days: 7
- Itinerary Category: Kilimanjaro Trekking, Northern circuit
- Destinations: Mt Kilimanjaro via Rongai Route
- Major Attractions: Vegetation zones, Wildlife, Mt Kilimanjaro
- Guiding Language: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian
- Start point: Moshi
- End point: Moshi
- Essential items: DigitalCamera with enough memory space and extra batteries, binoculars, light clothes, hiking boot, mosquito repellents, sunhat, sunglasses with ultra violet radiation filtering etc
Additional information: The Rongai route is for Kilimanjaro climbing which is famous moderate success rate and good (shorter acclimatization) Quiet, less crowded trail, Unique northern approach and gradual ascent profile
Itinerary Description:
Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Elevation: 1,950m to 2,600m
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Distance: ~6 km
Drive to Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registration, begin your trek through farmland and pine forest. You may spot wildlife like monkeys. Arrive at Simba Camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
Elevation: 2,600m to 3,450m
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~6–7 km
The trail gradually climbs through moorland with great views of Kibo peak. Reach Second Cave Camp, where you’ll have a chance to explore nearby caves and enjoy scenic surroundings.
Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
Elevation: 3,450m to 3,600m
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Distance: ~6 km
A shorter hiking day to help acclimatization. The trail becomes steeper as you approach Kikelewa Camp, surrounded by giant senecio plants.
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Elevation: 3,600m to 4,330m
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Distance: ~5 km
Climb into alpine desert terrain beneath the dramatic spires of Mawenzi. Arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, one of the most scenic camps on the mountain.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut Camp
Elevation: 4,330m to 4,700m
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~8 km
Cross the lunar-like “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Reach Kibo Hut, rest, and prepare for your midnight summit attempt.
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak then to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m to 3,720m
Hiking time: 10–14 hours
Distance: ~21 km
Begin summit push at midnight. Reach Gilman’s Point, then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebration and photos, descend to Kibo and continue to Horombo Hut for overnight.
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation: 3,720m to 1,860m
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~20 km
Descend through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to your hotel.
