7 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Rongai Route

Day to Day Itinerary

Arrival Day

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), meet and greet, and transfer comfortably to your accommodation at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel in Moshi (overnight stay with breakfast). Relax and enjoy amenities like a swimming pool and Wi-Fi. Attend an evening briefing with experienced managers to ensure you're prepared for the climb.

Day 1: Nale Moru Gate – Simba Camp (2,635m)

Depart Moshi for a 4-5 hour drive through coffee plantations and villages to Nale Moru Gate in Kilimanjaro National Park.

Enjoy the scenic wooded terrain and winding trails while your guide shares insights on local flora and fauna.

Hike for 3-4 hours, gaining 638m in elevation, to Simba Camp near the first cave, offering spectacular views of Kenya's plains.

Expect cooler temperatures at this higher altitude.

Day 2: Simba Camp – Second Cave Camp (3,487m)

After breakfast, embark on a consistent ascent along the moorland path.

Hike for 5-6 hours, gaining 852m in elevation, enjoying views of Kibo and glimpses of the eastern crater rim's ice fields.

Second Cave Camp awaits you amidst thinning moorland shrubs. Temperatures will continue to drop.

Day 3: Second Cave Camp – Kikelewa Camp (3,675m)

Following breakfast, continue your steady ascent across the moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi.

This shorter day brings you closer to the eastern ice fields, offering breathtaking scenery.

Be mindful of your body and inform your guide of any altitude sickness symptoms.

After 2-3 hours and 188m of elevation gain, you'll reach Kikelewa Camp.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn (4,302m)

Today's short but steeper climb rewards you with superb views.

Leave   the vegetation behind as you reach Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly  situated  in a cirque beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.

The afternoon is free for rest or exploring the area to aid acclimatization.

Optional Acclimatization Day: If you choose a longer itinerary, you'll spend two nights here, with an acclimatization hike around Mawenzi.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut (4,714m)

Cross the lunar-like "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the foot of the Kibo crater wall.

The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the summit push on the following night.

Day 6: Summit Day - Uhuru Peak (5,895m) & Descent to Horombo Huts (3,721m)

• Begin your summit attempt with an early morning start (midnight to 2 AM).
• This is the most demanding part of the trek, both mentally and physically.
• Ascend  through scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim,  witnessing a  magnificent sunrise (faster hikers may see it from the  summit).
• Continue for 1 hour on a snow-covered trail to reach the pinnacle - Uhuru Peak (5,895m)!
• Savor this once-in-a-lifetime achievement, capturing photos and enjoying the moment.
• Descend to Kibo Huts for lunch and a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Huts.
• Gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended for the loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain.
• Celebrate your accomplishment and enjoy your last night on the mountain.

Day 7: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Moshi (Departure)

• After breakfast, participate in a farewell ceremony with your crew.
• Descend  for 6-7 hours to Marangu Gate, stopping at Mandara Huts  for lunch  (tipping your guides, cooks, and porters is customary).
• Receive  your summit certificates at the gate. Expect warmer,  wetter, muddier,  and steeper terrain. Gaiters and poles are again  recommended.
• A vehicle will transfer you back to your Moshi hotel (around 45 minutes).
• Enjoy a well-deserved hot shower, dinner, and celebrate your triumph before departure.

Departure Day

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.
• Check out by 11:00 AM (late check-out options may be available for  charges)

Cost Includes

• 2 Night accommodation at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel in Moshi, a day before trek and a day after trek
• Transportation to and from your selected route
• Quality, Waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tent
• Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
• Certified, experienced, English speaking mountain guides:
• All Tanzanian National Park Fees
• Government Climbing Taxes
• Climbing permits
• All hot Meals prepared by our cook while on Mountain
• Guides, Porters and Cook Salaries
• Fair and ethical treatment of Porters
• Enough porters to carry your luggage
• Safety Equipment
• Emergency Oxygen
• Pulse Ox meter
• Hot drinks at every meal
• Water provided on climb, mineral water for the first day and boiled water every day
• Emergency rescue fees
• Personal Summit Certificate signed by the National Park and your Guide

Cost Excludes

• Personal items and toiletries
• Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain
• Tipping on Kilimanjaro from the trekking group (not per climber):      
  • Guides: $20/day/guide
  • Cook: $15/day
  • Porter: $10/day/porter
  • N/B: Our Guides, cooks and Porters are always satisfied with your thanks giving (tip) you have and not beyond your ability.
• International airfares and departure taxes
• All items of person nature such as telephone call, fax, email etc
• Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks
• Laundry services
• Visa and International flight tickets fees.