About Rongai Route

Your journey on the Rongai Route begins with a scenic drive to NaleMoru village, the trail’s starting point. The first stretch of the trek takes you through farmland and pine forests, offering a tranquil introduction to Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes.

Along the way, you may spot Colobus monkeys swinging through the trees, and if fortune favors you, even elephants or buffalos roaming nearby. By the end of the day, you’ll reach Simba Camp at 2,625m, situated at the edge of the moorland zone, where you can rest and soak in the beauty of the high-altitude wilderness.

The morning trek follows a steady climb toward Second Cave Camp, nestled in the moorland zone. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, the journey continues with a scenic hike to Kikelelwa Camp, offering a deeper immersion into Kilimanjaro’s stunning landscapes.

After breakfast, the trek begins with a short but steep climb up a grassy slope to Mawenzi Turn Hut Camp, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. The landscape shifts dramatically as you transition from the Heath zone into the Alpine desert zone, offering a stark contrast in scenery. You’ll overnight at Mawenzi Turn Camp, situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, providing a stunning and dramatic backdrop for your camp.

Today is an acclimatization day, designed to help you adjust to the altitude. The hike takes you up to Mawenzi Ridge, where you can enjoy a few hours of exploration and spectacular views of Kibo and Mawenzi. The unique landscape provides a motivating panorama that makes the trek worthwhile. After spending some time soaking in the stunning surroundings, you’ll return to your original camp for a well-deserved rest and relaxation.

We depart from our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the 'saddle' that lies between Mawenzi and Kibo. After a few hours of trekking, you’ll reach a spectacular viewpoint, where the summit of Kilimanjaro looms in the background, and the route to the high camp stretches out before you. Upon arrival at camp, you’ll have the remainder of the day to rest and prepare for the final ascent, followed by an early night to ensure you’re fully rested for the challenge ahead.

Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage of your journey. The final ascent begins around midnight, a long and strenuous climb. As you pass the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,220m, the path steadily rises. At sunrise, you’ll reach Gillman’s Point on the crater rim at 5,681m, where the sun’s warmth will begin to break the chill of the night. With renewed energy, you’ll continue for another 1-2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895m, the highest point on Kilimanjaro. After celebrating the summit, you’ll descend back to Kibo Hut for a warm meal, followed by a short break. The descent continues, and you’ll end the day at Horombo Hut, where you can rest after the long, rewarding climb.

The final stage of your trek takes you through the heath and moorland zones as you descend toward Mandara Hut at 2,700m, where a warm lunch awaits. Afterward, you’ll pass through the tropical rainforest once again, enjoying the lush surroundings. After 6 hours of trekking, you’ll reach the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at 1,860m. Here, you’ll say your goodbyes to your mountain guides before a short transfer back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can unwind with a warm, relaxing shower and celebrate your incredible achievement of reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.