7 Days Rongai Route Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking

We depart from Moshi town and drive 45mins. to Marangu park gate for registration. From there, we travel to Naro Moru, a further 68km and approximately 2 ½ hours on bad roads to the Rongai starting point (1996m). We begin our hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then we climb gently through a forest. The trail is not steep, but is rather a gentle hike through a beautiful countryside. The first night’s camp is at Simba Camp (2626m). The camp facilities include a public toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut.

Change in Elevation: 1,996m to 2,626m

Hiking Distance: Approximately 7 Km

Hiking Time: 4 Hours

Habitat: Alpine Meadows

We hike from Simba camp to Kibo (3482m). We arrive for lunch at First Caves. The distance is 5.8km. After lunch, we continue trekking until we reach Kikelewa Camp at about 3679m. Here you will have an amazing view including a stream of water below the cave.

Change in Elevation: 3,482m to 3,679m

Hiking Distance: Approximately 11 Km

Hiking Time: 6-7 Hours

Habitat: Moorlands

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offer superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Here we spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.

Change in Elevation: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 M) – Lava Tower (4,630 M) – Barranco Camp (3,960 M)

Hiking Distance: Approximately 7 Km

Hiking Time: 3-4 Hours

Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, we head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo. We then cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo hut.

Hiking Distance: Approximately 9 Km

Hiking Time: 4-5 Hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. You will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and snacks, we begin our ascent. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path up to Gillman’s point (5681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. From Gillmans Point, you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa! Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend taking photographs and enjoying the amazing scenery. Afterwards, we begin our 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest at Kibo hut, we gather all our remaining gears and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. Later in the evening, you will have your last dinner on the mountain and have a well-earned sleep.

Hiking Distance: Approximately 8 Km

Hiking Time: 5 Hours

Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit

After breakfast, we continue our descent for around 6 hours passing the Mandara hut down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate, successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates, and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. Afterwards, we drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower and celebration.

Hiking Distance: Approximately 16 Km

Hiking Time: 6 Hours

Habitat: Moorland & Montane Forest

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport. The total distance covered is 70 Km or 42 miles.

End of Tour