7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Climb

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft

Distance: 6km/4mi

Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios nearby.

Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft

Distance: 9km/5mi

Walking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, 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 acclimatization.

Elevation: 3600m/11,800ft to 4330m/14,200ft

Distance: 6km/4mi

Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early.

Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft

Distance: 9km/5mi

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft

Down to 3700m/12,200ft

Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

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Our Company vehicle will meet you at the Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

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Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft

Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Forest

Meals: Breakfast