7-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking, Rongai Route

• A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Rongai Simba Camp

Pick up from your hotel in Arusha to Rongai Gate Starting at Nale Moru (6,400 feet), the ascent follows a narrow road that passes through potato and maize fields before entering a pine forest. The trail then begins to slowly but steadily climb through a lovely woodland that is home to a variety of species, including Colobus monkeys. These monkeys are black with a flowing white tail and a long white “cape” of hair. At the edge of the moorland zone, the woodland starts to get thinner. Then, as we reach Rongai One Camp, our first campsite, we take in the expansive vistas of the Kenyan plains (8,500 ft). [3–4 walking hours].

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Simba Camp – Rongai 2nd Cave

With spectacular views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields on the crater rim, the morning trek is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (11,300 ft). We depart the main trail after lunch and take a smaller path southeast across the moorland in order to reach the craggy peaks of Mawenzi. Near the Kikelewa Caves, our campground is in a valley that is shaded and ornamented with enormous special plants (11,800 ft). [6-7 hours on foot].

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Second Cave - Kikelewa Cave

A short but steep ascent is rewarded with breathtaking views in every direction and a real sense of wilderness. Shortly before arriving at the following camp at Mawenzi Tarn (14,200 ft), which is magnificently located in a cirque immediately beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi, we leave vegetation behind. The afternoon will be free for you to relax or tour the neighborhood to help you acclimate. [3–4 walking hours].

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Kikelewa Cave – Mawenzi Turn

The ascent to Mawenzi Tarn is a challenging yet rewarding experience, offering climbers stunning panoramic views and a sense of accomplishment. Situated at an elevation of 4,300 meters, this camp provides a perfect opportunity for acclimatization before attempting the summit. Climbers are encouraged to use the free afternoon to rest or explore the nearby terrain, which can contribute to a successful acclimatization process and increase the chances of reaching the peak.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Mawenzi Turn – Kibo Hut

To get to Kibo Hut (15,400 feet), located at the base of the crater wall, we have to go across the lunar desert in the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Resting up for an early morning final ascent takes up the rest of the day. 5 to 6 hours of walking.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Kibo Hut - Summit - Horrombo Hut

Around one in the morning, we begin the hardest and last section of the climb by torchlight. To get to the lip of the crater at Gillman’s Point, we make our way very slowly through loose volcanic scree on a switchback track in the pitch-blackness (18,600 ft). We take a little break here to relax and take in the magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi. The three-hour round climb to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft), which passes close to the breathtaking glaciers and ice cliffs that still comprise the majority of the summit region, is an option for those who are still in good physical condition. It is surprisingly quick to descend to Kibo Hut (15,400 ft), and after some refreshments, we proceed to Horombo Huts (12,200 ft). [11–15 walking hours].

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Horrombo Hut

We descend steadily through the moorland to reach Mandara Huts (8,900 ft). At the Marangu Gate (6,000 feet), we continue our descent through a wonderful, lush forest on an excellent trail before being driven back to your hotel in Arusha or a similar establishment for a hot shower and celebration.

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.
• A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.