7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb - Rongai Route

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arusha to Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

After breakfast and a briefing with your mountain crew, drive to Rongai Gate for registration and permit formalities. The trek begins through cultivated farmland and dense montane forest on the northern side of Kilimanjaro. This section is rich in wildlife and birdlife, and colobus monkeys are occasionally spotted in the trees. The trail gradually ascends on a gentle slope, making the first day comfortable and ideal for adjusting to altitude. Your guides will maintain a slow pace while introducing mountain safety procedures and hydration practices. After several hours of trekking, arrive at Simba Camp located on the edge of the moorland zone. Enjoy dinner prepared by the camp team while taking in clear evening views of the Kenyan plains and the mountain slopes before an overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Near Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp

Begin the morning with a warm breakfast before continuing the ascent across open moorland terrain. The vegetation becomes thinner as the trail climbs steadily toward Second Cave Camp. This stage offers spectacular panoramic views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding wilderness, with fewer crowds compared to other Kilimanjaro routes. The gradual elevation gain supports acclimatization and allows trekkers to maintain steady energy levels throughout the day. Along the route, guides explain the mountain ecosystem, volcanic history, and local climbing traditions. Upon arrival at Second Cave Camp, there is time for a short acclimatization walk to a nearby viewpoint before returning for dinner. The peaceful atmosphere and open skies make this campsite ideal for resting and preparing for higher altitude trekking ahead.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

Today’s trek continues across dramatic moorland landscapes with increasingly impressive views of Mawenzi Peak. The trail becomes steeper in some sections, but the pace remains slow and carefully controlled to support proper acclimatization. As you gain altitude, giant groundsels and unique alpine vegetation begin to dominate the scenery, creating a striking contrast against the rocky mountain slopes. Frequent breaks are scheduled for hydration, snacks, and photography opportunities. The mountain air becomes cooler and drier as you approach Kikelewa Camp, located in a sheltered valley surrounded by giant senecio plants. After lunch, guides usually organize a brief acclimatization hike before sunset to improve summit readiness. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying dinner, and watching the changing colors over the mountain landscape.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

This shorter trekking day allows additional time for acclimatization while climbing toward Mawenzi Tarn Camp. The trail ascends steadily through alpine terrain beneath the rugged spires of Mawenzi Peak, one of Kilimanjaro’s most dramatic volcanic formations. The environment becomes increasingly barren, with rocky paths and expansive views across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Due to the reduced trekking hours, climbers can conserve energy while adapting to the thinner air at higher altitude. Upon reaching Mawenzi Tarn Camp, enjoy lunch beside the small alpine lake surrounded by towering volcanic walls. In the afternoon, guides often lead an acclimatization walk on nearby ridges before returning to camp. The evening provides excellent opportunities for photography, rest, and preparation for the summit approach over the coming days.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

Leave Mawenzi Tarn after breakfast and cross the vast alpine desert known as the Saddle, a wide plateau stretching between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The landscape is dry, rocky, and exposed, creating a unique lunar-like environment unlike any previous stage of the trek. Although the terrain is not technically difficult, the altitude makes the journey physically demanding, so climbers are encouraged to walk slowly and remain hydrated. The route gradually approaches Kibo Hut, the final base camp before the summit attempt. After arrival, enjoy an early dinner and rest while guides provide a detailed briefing about summit night procedures, clothing layers, and safety precautions. Most climbers spend the afternoon sleeping and organizing equipment in preparation for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Kibo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Shortly before midnight, begin the summit ascent under the light of headlamps and a sky filled with stars. The climb is steep and challenging, requiring determination, slow pacing, and regular encouragement from the mountain team. Reach Gilman’s Point at the crater rim around sunrise, where spectacular views reward the effort. Continue along the crater edge to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa and the ultimate achievement of the expedition. After celebrating and taking photographs, descend carefully back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and meal before continuing downward to Horombo Hut. The long descent passes through changing landscapes as oxygen levels increase and temperatures become warmer. Arrive at Horombo exhausted but proud after completing the most demanding and rewarding day of the trek.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Horombo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

+8 Photos

+7 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Arusha

The final day begins with breakfast at Horombo Hut before descending through moorland and lush rainforest toward Marangu Gate. The trail is scenic and comfortable, allowing trekkers to reflect on the achievement of reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro. As the altitude decreases, the air becomes richer in oxygen and the forest grows denser with birds, monkeys, and colorful vegetation surrounding the path. Guides and porters often celebrate the successful climb with traditional songs and farewell moments along the route. Upon arrival at Marangu Gate, climbers receive summit certificates and complete exit formalities before transferring back to the hotel. The journey concludes with memories of breathtaking scenery, personal accomplishment, and an unforgettable adventure on Africa’s highest mountain.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.