9 day climbing adventure rongai route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation for an overnight stay at a hotel or lodge. Your head guide will meet you for a briefing, gear check, and to arrange any equipment rentals you may need.

A guide and support crew will meet you at your hotel in the morning for a final briefing. After a 4-5 hour drive through coffee plantations and the village of Nale Muru, we will reach Nalemuru Gate. Here, we will complete the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The trail starts in the forest, gradually ascending to Simba Camp, located at the edge of the moorland zone, offering spectacular views of the Kenyan plains.

• Distance: 7 km / 4.3 mi

• Time: 3-4 hours

• Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft

• Altitude Gained: 638m

We start the day with a steep climb from Simba Camp, passing through moorland terrain with small shrubs and increasingly thinner vegetation. The trail offers panoramic views of Kibo and the Eastern Ice Fields. We will stop for lunch at Second Cave Camp, where we can enjoy the beautiful scenery. After lunch, we continue to Kikelewa Cave, surrounded by giant heathers and wildflowers. We reach camp in the late afternoon, with the impressive jagged peaks of Mawenzi as our backdrop.

• Distance: 5.8 km / 3.6 mi

• Time: 5-6 hours

• Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11440ft

• Altitude Gained: 852m

After breakfast, we continue our steady ascent across the moorland, moving closer to the Eastern Ice Fields. This relatively short hike brings us to Kikelewa Camp, located near the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The landscape changes dramatically as we approach the camp, with fewer shrubs and more barren terrain. We spend the afternoon resting and acclimatizing, with the stunning ice fields continually drawing our attention.

• Distance: 5.95 km / 3.7 mi

• Time: 2-3 hours

• Elevation: 3487m/11,440ft to 3675m/12057ft

• Altitude Gained: 188m

We start with a short but steep climb up a grassy slope to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located at the foot of Mawenzi Volcano. The landscape changes from moorlands to barren volcanic plains as we ascend. Mawenzi Tarn Camp offers a spectacular setting beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. We spend the afternoon exploring the area and resting to aid acclimatization. This day is crucial for acclimatization and prepares us for the higher altitudes ahead.

• Distance: 3.75 km / 2.3 mi

• Time: 3-4 hours

• Elevation: 3675m/12057ft to 4302m/14114ft

• Altitude Gained: 627m

Note: Although you end the day at the same elevation you began at, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help you prepare for the summit day.

Change in Elevation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,139 m) — Mawenzi Ridge ( 4,389 m) — Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,139 m)

Hiking distance: 4 km

Hiking time: 2-4 hours

Today, we cross the lunar desert of the "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo, reaching Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The hike offers fantastic views of both peaks and the arid landscape. We spend the remainder of the day resting and preparing for the final ascent. This day also serves as an acclimatization day, with a hike to Mawenzi Ridge to enjoy epic views of Kibo and Mawenzi.

• Distance: 8.9 km / 5 mi

• Time: 4-5 hours

• Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 4714m/15,466ft

• Altitude Gained: 412m

We begin the final ascent around midnight, climbing through the darkness between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Each pair of climbers will have a personal guide to monitor their physical and mental conditions. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We reach Gilman’s Point (5,861 m) after several hours of switchbacks and scree slopes. From there, it’s a two-hour climb to the summit, Uhuru Peak, where we are rewarded with a magnificent sunrise and breathtaking views.

CONGRATULATIONS!! You have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

After celebrations and photos, we descend to Kibo Hut for a warm lunch, then continue down to Horombo Huts for the night.

• Distance: 4 km / 2.5 mi up, 15.75 km / 9.8 mi down

• Time: 5-7 hours up, 5-6 hours down

• Elevation: 4714m/15,466ft to 5895m/19,341ft (summit), then to 3721m/12,208ft (descent)

• Altitude Gained: 1181m (to summit)

• Altitude Lost: 2174m (to Horombo Huts)

After breakfast, we continue our descent through the rainforest, stopping at Mandara Huts for lunch. The terrain becomes wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, we receive our summit certificates and celebrate with our team. A vehicle will transport us back to our hotel in Moshi, where we can enjoy a well-deserved rest and present you with your commemorative certificates.

• Distance: 20 km / 12.5 mi

• Time: 6-7 hours

• Elevation: 3721m/12,208 to 1905m/6250ft

• Altitude Lost: 1816m

As your adventure comes to an end, it's time to say goodbye. After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel by 11 am. A Morning Glory driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight home, marking the end of your incredible Kilimanjaro adventure. We hope you had an unforgettable experience and look forward to welcoming you back soon!