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Kenya, Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Take up the monumental challenge of summiting Mt Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route, the only path that approaches the mountain from the north. This gradual trek offers magnificent views, a quieter ascent, and a lesser degree of precipitation, making it an excellent option during the monsoon season. Camp across Kilimanjaro's changing landscapes, from forest and moorland to the lunar desert of the saddle, before making your final push toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Camp across Kilimanjaro's changing landscapes, from forest and moorland to the lunar desert of the saddle, before making your final push toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport at any time and drive to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort in Marangu.
Gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.
Dinner and overnight at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort: bed, dinner, and breakfast included.
Complete the necessary registration formalities before transferring by SUV to Rongai.
The climb begins from Nale Moru (6,400 ft) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering a pine forest. The track then climbs consistently but gently through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long 'cape' of white hair and a flowing white tail.
The forest begins to thin out at the edge of the moorland zone. Take in the expansive views over the Kenyan plains as you arrive at Rongai One Camp (8,500 ft).
3-4 hours walking
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (11,300 ft), with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields on the crater rim.
After lunch, leave the main trail and head southeast across the moorland on a smaller path toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi.
Your campsite is in a sheltered valley, decorated with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (11,800 ft).
6-7 hours walking
Make a short but steep climb while taking in the superb views and a tangible sense of wilderness.
Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (14,200 ft), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.
The afternoon is free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation.
3-4 hours walking
Cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) at the bottom of the crater wall.
The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the early morning final ascent.
5-6 hours walking
Start the final and most demanding part of the climb at around 1 a.m.
Plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (18,600 ft).
Rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area.
The descent to Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshments, continues down to the Horombo Huts (12,200 ft).
11-15 hours walking
A steady descent takes you down through moorland to Mandara Huts (8,900 ft).
Continue descending through lovely, lush forest to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Marangu (6,000 ft), from where you are transferred back to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort.
5-6 hours walking
Dinner and overnight at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort: bed, dinner, and breakfast included.
Head to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight.
Where this trip takes you
Rongai One Camp, Kikelewa Caves moorland, Mawenzi Tarn, Uhuru Peak
The route
The fine print
Tanzania VAT on tourism activities and park fees
Return transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport to Marangu and from Marangu to Kilimanjaro Airport
Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb, with bed, dinner, and breakfast included (double occupancy)
Transfer from your hotel to the starting point for your climb, and return to your hotel after your climb
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping fees, and climbing permits
Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)
Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only - not as a summiting aid)
Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
Qualified English-speaking Kilimanjaro mountain guide, assistant guides, porters, and cook
Salaries for the mountain crew as per guidelines set by Kilimanjaro National Park
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
Water for washing up daily
Porter to carry your duffel bag (maximum weight 15 kg / 32 lbs) from one camp to the next
Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
A comprehensive Climbing Kilimanjaro travel info pack
Flying Doctor Service
Flights and airport taxes
Items of a personal nature
Compulsory tips for guides, porters, and cook (average tip is anything from US $230 to US $300 per hiker, depending on the number of days, how many hikers are in the group, and the route chosen)
South African passport holders do not require a visa for Tanzania; however, most other nationalities require a visa for Tanzania
Health requirements (Yellow Fever compulsory if travelling to Tanzania recommended)
Highly recommended travel and medical insurance
Personal hiking/trekking gear - some of the gear can be rented from our equipment store in Tanzania
Optional but highly recommended portable toilet
Snacks, personal medicine, and water-purifying tablets
Meals, drinks, and snacks not specified
The best months to climb Kilimanjaro:
Normally, March, April, and May are the months with long rains and should be avoided. November usually has short rains, but it does not often rain every day, so climbing is possible. The best months for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are January, February, and also August and September. July can be colder, and November to December can be wet. January to February are the warmest months, almost clear of clouds each evening and morning. The success rates with our guides are outstanding compared to the overall success rates for all climbers who attempt to reach the top.
Logistics
Your 8 days finish where they began, in Kilimanjaro Airport Rd.
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