9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi for an orientation on your hike. Your guides will provide relevant information for your specific route and carry out a comprehensive inspection of your gear.

We will drive you from your hotel to Marangu Gate (1.8 km) in the morning. Upon arrival, park registration will be completed, and then we will proceed to Nalemoru Gate (under 2 km). On the way, you will encounter local people. An appetising hot lunch will be served at the gate, and introductions between you and your crew members will take place.

We will then embark on the 9-day Rongai Route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Fallen leaves from the forest will crackle beneath your feet as you marvel at the immensity of the emerald canopy. The knotted ember arms of the trees rise towards the sky, assisting the blue monkeys with their trapeze performance. We will arrive at Simba Campsite, where we will spend the night (2650 m).

Walking Time: 3-4 hrs

Distance: 6.5 km

Altitude Gain: 700 m

After a delicious breakfast, we will continue toward the looming peak of Kibo and head to Second Cave. The arid plains are scattered with hoary desert plants, while whimsical plantations and celestially enormous trees dominate the heather. A hot lunch will be provided at Second Caves Camp (3150 m / 3-4 hours).

There is a possibility of small excursions towards Third Cave, which will aid the acclimatisation process, although relaxing is also an option. These excursions will increase your chances of witnessing marvellous sights, including the distinct crown of Mawenzi's serrated, dark peak sprinkled with snow. You may also encounter wildlife such as buffaloes or jackals, as well as the spectacular figure of Kibo Peak, the summit peak, which is best observed from this angle. Your tents will be assembled at Second Cave.

Walking Time: 3-4 hrs

Distance: 4 km

Altitude Gain: 500 m

The trek advances towards Kibo and will begin after breakfast is served. We will venture through an exposed moorland and heather foliage area to reach Kikuletwa Caves Camp. Your chances of viewing Kibo are high. You may also spot great buffaloes with winding horns and more jackals. A hot lunch will be served at the campsite.

Walking Time: 3-4 hrs

Distance: 5 km

Altitude Gain: 450 m

After breakfast, we will travel to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330 m). Our trek proceeds through a low desert area. The comforting aromas of your delicious hot lunch will drift through the entrance of Mawenzi Tarn Hut. (6000 m / 3-4 hour trek). Brief excursions for acclimatisation may occur, but the remaining hours of the afternoon will be spent lounging, napping, and dancing with your crew and other people you met on the same journey around the campsite.

Walking Time: 3-4 hrs

Distance: 6 km

Altitude Gain: 370 m

The route gradually develops into a steeper, rockier trail as we move farther from Mawenzi Tarn Hut. Travelling along the meek landscape of the ashen 'Saddle', a lava stone ridge between Mawenzi and Kibo, provides nice views of the peak of Kilimanjaro. An appetising warm meal will be served when we arrive at Kibo Hut (4703 m). You will have a relaxing evening and an early bedtime to ensure you are well rested for the midnight trek to the summit.

Walking Time: 4-5 hrs

Distance: 9 km

Altitude Gain: 370 m

We will depart from the huts shortly after midnight and undertake the most demanding day of the entire trek. Until we reach the beautiful Hans Meyer Cave, the trail follows an extended scree incline. At this stage, it turns into a single-file zigzag. A rocky path, with wildflowers bursting from the earth with their azure gongs attached, will lead us to Gillman's Point (5685 m). This is the most challenging section of the route.

Gillman's Point signifies that the last two hours of the hike to Uhuru Peak are upon us (5895 m). We will marvel at the view and celebrate what you have accomplished before starting the descent to Kibo Hut, where we will take a break. Horombo Hut is our final destination for the day, and you can enjoy a well-deserved slumber.

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

Distance: 5 km ascent, 15 km descent

Altitude Gain: 1195 m

Altitude Loss: 2195 m

After an appetising breakfast, we will circle past Mandara Hut and through the magnificent rainforest before reaching Marangu Gate. You will receive your summit certificates for completing the 9-day Rongai Route, and short festivities with your porters will take place. You will then be transported to your hotel, where a steaming shower and comfy bedding await.

Walking Time: 5-6 hrs

Distance: 20 km

Altitude Loss: 1900 m

A driver will bring you to Kilimanjaro Airport, where it is time to say goodbye to Tanzania and its friendly people.