6 Days Rongai Route

Day 1: Rongai Gate (1,950m) to Simba Camp (2,600m)

• Hiking Distance: 8 km (4–5 hours)
• Habitat: Montane Forest

The adventure begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to Rongai Gate, where you’ll complete park registration. The trek starts with a gentle ascent through the rainforest, home to Colobus monkeys and unique bird species.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Simba Camp, located on the edge of the moorland zone, where you’ll have dinner and rest.

Day 2: Simba Camp (2,600m) to Second Cave Camp (3,450m)

• Hiking Distance: 8 km (4–5 hours)
• Habitat: Moorland

Leaving the forest behind, you’ll trek into open moorland, where the landscape transforms into rolling hills and volcanic rock formations. As you gain altitude, you’ll have stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

Arriving at Second Cave Camp, you’ll have plenty of time to rest and acclimatize before the next day’s hike.

Day 3: Second Cave Camp (3,450m) to Kikelelwa Camp (3,600m)

• Hiking Distance: 6 km (3–4 hours)
• Habitat: Moorland

Today’s trek is shorter but slightly steeper, allowing for better acclimatization. You’ll follow a trail leading towards Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s jagged secondary summit.

By early afternoon, you’ll reach Kikelelwa Camp, where you’ll have time to relax, explore the surrounding valleys, and enjoy breathtaking mountain views.

Day 4: Kikelelwa Camp (3,600m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)

• Hiking Distance: 5 km (3–4 hours)
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

The trail continues with a steep ascent towards Mawenzi Tarn, a beautiful alpine lake nestled beneath Mawenzi Peak. This is one of the most scenic campsites on Kilimanjaro, offering spectacular views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.

The rest of the day is spent acclimatizing, preparing your body for higher altitudes.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m) to Kibo Hut (4,700m)

• Hiking Distance: 9 km (5–6 hours)
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today’s trek takes you across the Saddle, a vast, barren desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The trail is long but relatively flat, allowing you to conserve energy for the summit push.

Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you’ll have an early dinner and rest, as the summit attempt begins at midnight.

Day 6: Kibo Hut (4,700m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

• Hiking Distance: 21 km (12–16 hours)
• Habitat: Arctic (summit), Moorland (descent)

Midnight Summit Attempt!

The final ascent begins at midnight, trekking through the cold, dark night toward Gilman’s Point (5,681m). This section is the most physically demanding, with steep switchbacks over volcanic scree.

After reaching Gilman’s Point, you’ll push forward for another 1-2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa!

Celebrate with photos before beginning the descent.

After a brief rest at Kibo Hut, you’ll descend further to Horombo Hut, where you’ll enjoy a warm meal and well-earned sleep.