The Rongai Route unfolds with each day bringing new challenges and breathtaking scenery. From the lush forests echoing with the calls of colobus monkeys to the vast moorlands where Mawenzi Peak looms, every step offers a glimpse into Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
The highlight of your journey comes on Day 6, when you rise before dawn to begin the final ascent towards Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. The climb through the starlit night, illuminated only by your flashlight, is a test of endurance and spirit. As the sun rises over the vast African plains from Gilman’s Point, the sense of achievement and the panoramic views are unparalleled.
Descending through the lush cloud forests on the final day, you reflect on the physical and emotional journey of scaling Africa’s highest peak. Concluding at Parkview Inn, you cherish the memories of camaraderie, natural splendor, and personal triumph that define this unforgettable adventure on Kilimanjaro’s majestic Rongai Route.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport – Moshi
Our guide driver will warmly meet you upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, transfer you to Moshi. Check-in at the Parkview Inn. Enjoy overnight. You are booked on bed and breakfast.
Day 2: Rongai Gate (1,800m/5,900ft) to First Cave Camp (2,600m/8,400ft)
Elevation Gain: 800 metres / 2,500 feet
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. This morning we will drive you for approximately 2 hours to the Rongai Gate near the Kenyan border. After registering at the gate, begin your climb to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. During the first day, hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first campsite. Rongai ascends via the less forested northern side of the mountain. The Rongai Route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro and is thought to have the best chance of viewing wildlife.
Day 3: First Cave Camp (2,600m/8,400ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,800ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,000 metres / 3,400 feet
Day two takes you through Kilimanjaro’s moorland. During this day, view Mawenzi Peak ahead. The morning is steep and here you may begin to feel the altitude. You can stop to rest and explore at the first cave and lunch is often eaten close to the second cave. The afternoon is gentler as you contour across the moorland to camp in a sheltered valley at Kikelewa or the third cave. This is a long day with a trekking time of 6-7 hours.
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,800ft) to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m/14,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 730 metres / 2,400 feet
This day is an acclimatisation day, allowing you to hike in the morning and rest in the afternoon and evening. The hike is relatively short but steep, but you are rewarded with superb all round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Mawenzi Tarn campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Camp (4,700m/15,400ft)
Elevation Gain: 370 metres / 1,200 feet
Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle on this day to arrive at the high camp, visiting the site of a plane crash en route. Kibo Camp is situated directly below the summit cone, giving spectacular views over the Kenyan plains and Mawenzi and upwards to the climb that lies ahead. After lunch, spend your time resting in preparation for your summit attempt.
Day 6: Kibo Camp (4,700m/15,400ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,195 metres /, 3,940 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,175 metres / 7,140 feetAround midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point. The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude however makes the hike long and tiring. After summit celebrations you will descend to Kibo Huts. You will eat here before continuing your descent to Horombo Huts. This will seem surprisingly fast. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 7: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,890 metres / 6,200 feet
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. This trek will take approximately 5-6 hours. At the gate, you will be met and transferred back to Moshi. Check-in at the Parkview Inn where you are booked on bed and breakfast. Enjoy overnight.
Day 8: Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Our guide driver will pick and transfer you to the Kilimanjaro International Airport in time for your departure flight. Alternatively, you may opt to enjoy a safari to some of Tanzania’s finest game parks or to the Zanzibar Island for a beach holiday.