Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via Rongai Route: 7-Day

• Elevation: 1,000 meters (3,280 feet)
• Distance Covered: No trekking today.
• Trekking Time: None
• Habitat: Urban (Hotel in Kilimanjaro or Arusha)
Your adventure begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your guide. You’ll be driven to your hotel in either Arusha or the Kilimanjaro area for check-in. After a short rest, your guide will provide you with a detailed briefing on the trekking route, safety measures, and general logistics. The evening is free to relax, prepare for the trek ahead, and get a good night’s sleep in anticipation of the upcoming adventure.

• Elevation: 1,950 m / 6,398 ft → 2,650 m / 8,694 ft
• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be transferred to Rongai Gate on the northern side of Kilimanjaro. Once registration and permits are completed, your trek begins through lush montane forest. Keep an eye out for colobus monkeys and other wildlife. The gradual ascent brings you to Simba Camp, located near the "First Cave."

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

• Elevation: 2,650 m / 8,694 ft → 3,450 m / 11,319 ft
• Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest to Moorland

The trail continues steadily uphill, leaving the forest behind and entering the moorland zone. You’ll enjoy open views across the plains and your first glimpse of Kibo Peak. By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive at Second Cave Camp for a restful evening.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Elevation: 3,450 m / 11,319 ft → 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

As the trail rises steadily, the terrain becomes more rugged and dramatic. You’ll be treated to expansive views of the eastern ice fields and the jagged outline of Mawenzi Peak. Kikelewa Camp, nestled in a sheltered valley, provides a peaceful spot for the night.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Elevation: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft → 4,330 m / 14,200 ft
• Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland to Alpine Desert

You’ll climb steadily toward the rugged Mawenzi Peak, passing into the alpine desert zone. Mawenzi Tarn Camp is situated in a glacial cirque beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi and offers a stark, breathtaking setting to acclimatize.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Elevation: 4,330 m / 14,200 ft → 4,700 m / 15,420 ft
• Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today’s trek takes you across the desolate Saddle – a high-altitude desert between Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape is stark and wind-blown, offering dramatic contrasts. Upon arrival at Kibo Hut, you'll eat, rest, and prepare for the midnight summit push.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Elevation: 4,700 m / 15,420 ft → 5,895 m / 19,341 ft → 3,720 m / 12,200 ft
• Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
• Hiking Time: 10–13 hours
• Habitat: Arctic to Moorland

Around midnight, you'll begin your ascent under the stars toward Gilman’s Point and finally Uhuru Peak – Africa’s highest point. After celebrating your achievement and taking in the views, you’ll descend carefully back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Elevation: 3,720 m / 12,200 ft → 1,830 m / 6,004 ft
• Distance: 20 km / 12.4 miles
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland to Montane Forest

The final stretch takes you through moorland and lush rainforest. At Marangu Gate, you’ll sign out and receive your certificate of achievement. From here, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Arusha or Kilimanjaro.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch