7-Day Tanzania Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trekking

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

Rongai Gate / Nalemoru (1950m) to Simba Camp (2650m) (First Cave Camp)

In the morning, we will transport you to the Rongai Gate for park registration, then proceed to Nalemoru Gate. The scenic drive passes through a native village, offering beautiful views. After a delicious hot lunch, we’ll introduce you to your crew. We’ll begin the 7-day Rongai Route to Kilimanjaro’s summit. The path winds through golden maize fields before entering an oak-brown forest. Fallen leaves crackle underfoot as you admire the emerald canopy. Blue monkeys swing from branches, and the air is filled with birdsong. You might spot the striking Black and White Colobus or the adorable Bush Baby. After 3-4 hours of hiking, we’ll reach the Simba Campsite (2650m) to rest for the night.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Simba Camp (2650m) to Second Caves Camp 3150m

After a delicious breakfast, we will continue towards the looming peak of Kibo, heading to the Second Cave. The path gently ascends through the moorland and heather zones, with arid plains scattered with hardy desert plants and large, majestic trees. The heather is dotted with whimsical vegetation, creating an enchanting landscape. We’ll enjoy a hot lunch at the Second Caves Camp (3150m) after 3-4 hours of hiking.

For acclimatization, small excursions to the Third Cave are possible, offering stunning views of Mawenzi’s snow-speckled, serrated peak and the impressive Kibo Peak. Wildlife sightings, such as buffaloes or jackals, are also possible. Afterward, we’ll return to the Second Cave, where your tents will be set up for the night, ready to rest and prepare for the next day's trek.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Second caves Camp (3150m) to Kikelewa Caves (3600m)

Walking Time: 3-4hrs
Distance: 5km
Altitude Gain: 450m

The trek advances towards Kibo, and we will begin after breakfast is served. We will venture through an exposed area of moorland and heather foliage to reach the Kikelewa Caves Camp. Your chances of viewing Kibo, which is shrouded in ghost-grey mist, are high. You may spot the great buffalo with winding horns and more jackals. A tantalizing lunch will be served at the campsite.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Kikelewa Caves (3600m) to Mawenzi Tarn (4330m)

Walking Time: 3-4hrs
Distance: 6km
Altitude Gain: 370m

We will travel to the Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m) after breakfast. We will traverse on a malachite-green slope. The chatter of the birds breaks the quiet of the world whilst clouds shaped like tufty pillows glide slowly across the sky. The parched fauna and flora of the moorland are temporarily banished as we travel through a region of wilderness. Our trek proceeded through a low desert area. The comforting aromas of your delicious hot lunch will drift through the entrance of the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. (6000m / 3-4-hour trek). Brief excursions for acclimatisation may occur, but the remaining hours of the afternoon will be spent lounging around the campsite.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4700m)

Walking Time: 4-5hrs
Distance: 9km
Altitude Gain: 370m

The route gradually develops into a steeper, rockier trail as we move further from the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. Traveling along the meek landscape of the ashen ‘Saddle’, an expansive lava stone ridge amid Mawenzi and Kibo, provides stunning views of the lofty peak of Kilimanjaro. An appetizing, warm meal will be served when we arrive at the Kibo Hut (4703m). You will have a relaxing evening and an early bedtime to ensure that you are well-rested for the midnight trek to the summit.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)

We depart from the huts shortly after midnight for the most demanding day of the trek. The path starts with a steep scree incline, leading to Hans Meyer Cave. From there, it narrows into a zigzag, and the rocky path, adorned with bursts of wildflowers, takes us to Gillman’s Point (5685m). The wind scatters pollen like floating pixie dust, making this the toughest section.

At Gillman’s Point, we begin the final two-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching Africa’s rooftop, the landscape is shrouded in clouds, with streaks of light transforming the sky into an amethyst hue. As the sun rises, it bathes the icy fields in golden light, making the snow sparkle. After celebrating the accomplishment, we descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing to Horombo Hut, where a well-deserved rest awaits after this unforgettable journey.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1800m) to Moshi

Walking Time: 5-6hrs
Distance: 20km
Altitude Loss: 1900m

After enjoying an appetising breakfast, we will circle past the Mandara Hut and through the magnificent rainforest before reaching the Marangu gate. You will receive your summit certificates for completing the 7-day Rongai Route, and short festivities with your porters will occur. You will be transported to your hotel, where a steaming shower and plush bedding await. If you’ve decided to go on a safari – well, that’s a different adventure, and we’ll take care of that too!

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.