Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi

   • You will be picked up from the airport and taken to the hotel in Moshi. 
   • The briefing will take place at the hotel. 
   • Our guides will go through all the essential details regarding your trek and an inspection of your trekking gear to make sure that you have enough needed equipment for your climb the next day.

2. Day 2: Rongai Gate/Nalemoru (1950m) to Simba Camp (2650m) (First Cave Camp)

   • We will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and drive to the Marangu Gate (approximately 1.8km). 
   • After park registration, we will proceed to the Nalemoru Gate (under 2km). 
   • There will be an opportunity to meet your team, and a hot lunch will be served at the gate. 
   • We will embark on the journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. 
   • The trees above the misty paths are home to the striking blue monkey, the contrasting black and white colobus and the adorable bush baby. The trek lasts three to four hours. 
   • We will spend the night at the Simba Camp (2650m). Comprehensive camping facilities will be provided.

   WalkingTime: 3-4hrs 

   Distance: 6.5km 

   Altitude Gain: 700m

3. Day 3: Simba Camp (2650m) to Kikelewa Caves (3600m) (Third Caves Camp)

   • In the morning, the journey towards Kibo will resume. 
   • At the second ancient cave, a delicious hot lunch will be served. After lunch, we will trek through a brief section of the barren dunes of the moorland and continue amid the heather vegetation zone, studded with ethereal, enormous lobelias. There is a high possibility of viewing the breathtaking display of the Kibo peak, and there is also a chance that we may spot jackals and the odd buffalo – there is no need to panic as your guide accompanies you at all times. 
   • Once we reach the Kikelewa Caves Camp, you can relax for the remaining hours of the day (3600m).

   Walking Time: 6-7hrs 

   Distance: 9km 

   Altitude Gain: 950m

4. Day 4: Kikelewa Caves (3600m) to Mawenzi Tarn (4330m)

   • Breakfast will be served at the campsite. 
   • Our day begins on a short, inclined pasture that leads to an area of wilderness. A low desert environment will replace the limited vegetation. We will arrive at the Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m), where a delectable hot lunch will be served. 
   • Small excursions for acclimatization are possible, but you are likely to spend the rest of the day lounging and dancing at the campsite.

   Walking Time: 3-4hrs 

   Distance: 6km 

   Altitude Gain: 370m

5. Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn (4330m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

   • Note that the trail progressively becomes steeper and stonier as we advance further away from the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. 
   • We will travel up a desolate site that leads to ‘The Saddle’ – an extensive lunar lava stone landscape that stretches between Mawenzi and Kibo. The marvellous views of the towering upper regions of Kilimanjaro complement the journey.
   • Our trek will end when we reach the Kibo Huts (4703m), and a steaming hot meal will be served in the afternoon.
   • You can relax for the remainder of the day. 
   • We recommend you try to get to bed early so you are revitalized for the climb to the summit at midnight.

   Walking Time: 4-5hrs 

   Distance: 9km 

   Altitude Gain: 370m

6. Day 6: Kibo Hut (4700m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)

   • Our voyage to the summit begins at midnight, and this is the longest, most laborious day of the trek. The trail has a long, sharp slope until we pass the Hans Meyer Cave. At this point, the path transforms into a twisting, single-file lane. To reach Gillman’s Point (5685m), you will use a brief path with a terrain laden with rocks; some climbing is necessary. This is the biggest difficulty of the ascension.
   • Gilman’s point or the lips of Kilimanjaro indicate that Uhuru Peak (5895m) is merely a two-hour hike away. Once you progress to Uhuru and behold the spectacle of the first peach-hued rays of light brushing against the ice-laden fields of the Mawenzi Peaks – you will comprehend the magnitude of your victory. 
   • We won’t spend too much time at Uhuru as we have to start our descent to the Kibo Hut. 
   • We will take a short, desirable break. We will proceed to the Horombo Huts, and at this point, you will beam with joy at the sight of your sleeping bag.

   Walking Time: 6-8hrs ascent, 5-6hrs descent 

   Distance: 5km ascent, 15km descent 

   Altitude Gain: 1195m

   Altitude Loss: 2195m

7. Day 7: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1800m)

   • After breakfast, we will descend to the Marangu Gate. 
   • On our journey, we will encounter the Mandara Hut and travel again through the lush rainforest. When we get to the Marangu Gate, you will be awarded a certificate proving you completed the 8-day Rongai Route. 
   • After the brief festivities with your porters conclude, you will be transported back to the hotel – where a piping hot shower, soft mattress and fresh clothes await.

   Walking Time: 5-6hrs 

   Distance: 20km 

   Altitude Gain: 1195m 

   Altitude Loss: 1900m

8. Day 8: Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport

   • Today, we will transfer you to Kilimanjaro Airport, where you will connect your flight back home. 
   • If you decide to go on a safari, that’s another adventure, and we’ll happily arrange it for you!