7-Day Climbing Kilimanjaro via Rongai Route

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

Rongai Trailhead to First Cave Camp

Transfer from your hotel to Marangu Gate for registration and then a further transfer to the Rongai trailhead (approx. 2½ hours). Our porters prepare and pack our supplies and luggage before we start our ascent through the village of Nale Moru. The small winding path crosses maize fields before climbing gently through a pine forest until we reach First Cave Camp at 2,600m altitude.

Main Destination:

Foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

First Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

The trail continues upward toward Kibo, and along the way, it passes the Second Cave, which sits at an elevation of 3,450 meters. As you ascend, you'll eventually reach the Kikelewa Caves, located at 3,600 meters. This section of the trek is not only challenging but also rewarding, as the panoramic views begin to unfold, highlighting the vastness of Kilimanjaro. You’ll experience the immense scale of this iconic mountain firsthand, witnessing its majestic peaks and expansive landscapes. This area is perfect for setting up camp, and you'll spend the night here under the stars. The night at Kikelewa Caves provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the day’s journey and prepare for the adventures that lie ahead as you continue your climb toward the summit.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330 m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Acclimatisatio at Mawenzi Tarn Hut

We will spend a full day at and around Mawenzi Tarn as part of the acclimatisation process. There will be plenty to do, with several paths leading up the ridges and towers of Mawenzi, and our crew will help arrange short excursions to explore the area.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Camp

We cross the vast lunar desert of the Saddle, a barren stretch between Mawenzi and Kibo, making our way to Kibo Campsite (4,750m) at the base of the Kibo crater wall. The landscape is stark and desolate, with sweeping views of the towering peaks around us. As we ascend, the air grows thinner, and the terrain becomes increasingly rugged. Upon reaching the campsite, we take time to rest and hydrate, conserving energy for the challenging summit push ahead. The remainder of the day is spent preparing mentally and physically for the final ascent, which begins at midnight.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

You will be woken around 23:30 and after some tea and biscuits we will start our ascent. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). We then zigzag up to Gilman's Point (5681m) on the crater rim. This section is very steep with much stone scree and is the most demanding section of the route. From Gilman's Point we could encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long we can spend taking photographs before we descend back to Kibo Campsite and then Horomobo Hut where we will stay overnight. Later in the evening we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

After breakfast, we continue our descent, making our way down through the lush rainforest. Passing Mandara Hut, the trail becomes easier as we lose altitude, with the air growing richer in oxygen. The final stretch to Marangu Gate is a time for reflection, filled with memories of the incredible journey. Upon arrival, we receive summit certificates before meeting our driver for the transfer to the hotel. A well-earned shower awaits, washing away the dust and fatigue of the climb. The rest of the day is for celebration, relaxation, and sharing stories of the adventure on Kilimanjaro.

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.