6-Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trek to Uhuru Peak at Sunrise

Walking Time: 3-4hrs

Distance: 6.5km

Altitude Gain: 700m

In the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel and drive to Rongai Gate (approximately 1.8km). After the necessary park registration is completed, we will proceed to Nalemoru Gate, just under 2km away. There will be an opportunity to meet your crew, and a comforting hot lunch will be served at the gate.

We will then embark on our journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Your trek starts with a twisting path that intersects with a field of maize before entering the amber canopies of the dense forest and continuing along the moist forest floor. 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, and we will spend the night at Simba Camp (2650m), where comprehensive camping facilities are provided.

Walking Time: 6-7hrs

Distance: 9km

Altitude Gain: 950m

In the morning, the journey towards Kibo will resume. At the second ancient cave, an appetizing 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, which is studded with ethereal, enormous lobelias. There is a high possibility of viewing the breathtaking display of Kibo Peak. 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 Kikelewa Caves Camp (3600m), you can relax for the remaining hours of the day.

Walking Time: 3-4hrs

Distance: 6km

Altitude Gain: 370m

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 Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m), where a delectable hot lunch will be served. There is a possibility of small excursions for acclimatization taking place, but you are likely to spend the rest of the day lounging at the campsite.

Walking Time: 4-5hrs

Distance: 9km

Altitude Gain: 370m

Note that the trail progressively becomes steeper and stonier as we advance farther away from 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 journey is complemented by the marvelous views of the towering upper regions of Kilimanjaro. Our trek will come to an end when we reach 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 that you try to get to bed early so you are revitalized for the climb to the summit at midnight.

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

Distance: 5km ascent, 15km descent

Altitude Gain: 1195m

Altitude Loss: 2195m

Our voyage to the summit begins at midnight, and this is the longest, most laborious day of the whole trek. The trail consists of a long, sharp slope until we pass 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 terrain that is laden with rocks, and some climbing is necessary. This is the biggest difficulty of the ascent. Gillman's Point, or the lips of Kilimanjaro, indicates 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 Kibo Hut, where we will take a short, well-earned break. We will then proceed to Horombo Huts, and at this point, you will beam with joy at the sight of your sleeping bag.

Walking Time: 5-6hrs

Distance: 20km

Altitude Gain: 1195m

Altitude Loss: 1900m

After breakfast, we will descend to Marangu Gate. On our journey, we will encounter Mandara Hut and travel through the lush rainforest once again.

When we get to Marangu Gate, you will be awarded a certificate to prove that you completed the 6-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. You may even want to try one or two Kilimanjaro beers!

We will transfer you to Kilimanjaro Airport, from where you will connect your flight back home. If you've decided to go on a safari - well, that's another adventure, and we'll be happy to arrange it for you!