9-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Rongai Route with Uhuru Peak Summit

1

Day 01

Arrival in Moshi and Pre-Climb Briefing

• Today has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide.

2

Day 02

Rongai Gate Trek to Simba Cave

• You will be transferred by road from Moshi town (09:00 am) to Rongai Gate.
• After registration, you begin your trek through the rainforest zone with your guide. The forest thins out quickly on this remote and drier side of the mountain, and you reach your camp on the edge of the forest and heather zone near the caves.

3

Day 03

Simba Camp to Kikelewa Cave

• We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave.
• We continue trekking through moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.

4

Day 04

Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

• The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning.
• As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.

5

Day 05

Acclimatization Hike on Mawenzi Ridge

• This extra day is meant for acclimatization and can be spent hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi.
• After a few moments of exploring the area, we return to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.

6

Day 06

Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

• We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here, we rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

7

Day 07

Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

• We begin our push to the summit very early in the morning (around midnight). This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. At Gilman's Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak.
• Finally, we will arrive at Uhuru Peak - the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa, and after taking a few moments on the plains of Africa and reflecting on your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut.
• Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

8

Day 08

Descent to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi

• On our last day, we have a long trek, mostly downhill, through the tropical rainforest.
• Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate, we collect our summit certificates, and the vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

9

Day 09

Departure Day

• As the 9th day marks the end of your itinerary, it is with a heavy heart that we must bid you farewell. If you are eager to continue your African journey, we would be honored to plan a safari or day excursion. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you wish to prolong your stay with us.