8 Days Rongai Route

After an early breakfast in, you will drive to the Rongai (Nalemoru) Gate near the Kenya border. We begin our climb on this unspoilt wilderness route. The walk then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Day 2 Highlight

• Elevation: From 2,020 metres to 2,625 metres
• Trekking distance: 8 kilometres
• Trek time: 3 to 4 hours
• Environment: Rainforest
• Difficulty level:  Low
• Accommodation: Simba Camp

• Gradual rise through beautiful open moorland towards jagged pinnacles of Mawenzi to Kikelewa Camp we reach in the late afternoon at Kikelewa Caves for dinner and overnight.

Day 3 Highlight

• Elevation:  From 2600 metres to 3600 metres
• Trekking distance: 10 kilometres
• Trek time: 5 to 6 hours
• Difficulty Level: Medium
• Habitat: Moorland.
• Accommodation: Kikelelwa Camp

Today you will have a short but steep ascent to Mawenzi Tarn. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn. The afternoon is free to help your acclimatization.

Day 4 Highlight

• Elevation: From 3600 metres to 4330 metres
• Trekking distance: 6 kilometres
• Trek time: Around 4 to 5 hours
• Environment: Moorland
• Difficulty level: Medium
• Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp

On this day, you will cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Hut, at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall by early afternoon. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.

Day 5 Highlight

• Elevation: From 4,330 metres to 4,750 metres
• Trekking distance: 9 kilometres
• Trek time: 5 to 6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert.
• Difficulty level: Medium
• Accommodation: Kibo Camp

This is the summit day! Before midnight, you will begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace that will take you to the rim of the main crater, Gillman’s. You will take a rest there for a few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the three-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru peak 5,895 m. which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment you will descend to Horombo for your next overnight stay. Before reaching Horombo, you will stop at Kibo Hut for some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach Horrombo Hut.

Day 6 Highlight

• Elevation:  From 4,715 metres to 5,895metres (ascending) and from 5,895 meters to 3,720 meters (descending)
• Distance: 21 kilometers
• Hiking Time: 12-14 hours
• Habitat: Arctic
• Difficulty Level: High
• Accommodation: Horombo Camp.

After breakfast early in the morning, you will be heading to Marangu Gate (1,860 m). After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will have the chance to share your opinions on the trip in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates and provide you a transfer back to the hotel.

Day 7 Highlight

• Elevation:  From 3,720 metres to 1,860 metres
• Distance: 18 kilometers
• Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Difficulty Level: Medium

After breakfast, the Kilimanjaro Essence Tours guide or staff will transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight back home. If you would prefer to go for a safari, the Kilimanjaro Essence Tours guide will pick you up from the hotel start your next adventure in Tanzania.