Hotel to Simba Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - Drive to the charming wooden village of Nale Moru (approximately 2 hours, including a stop to obtain permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will start the hike on a broad path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering a pine forest. The trail then begins a consistent but gentle climb through a beautiful forest that shelters various wildlife. The forest starts to thin out, and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone, offering extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Simba Camp to Second Cave
Mount Kilimanjaro - The morning hike is a steady ascent to the Second Cave, with stunning views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
Kilimanjaro National Park - Head across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.
Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn
Mount Kilimanjaro - A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded with superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization.
Elevation: 3600m/11,800ft to 4330m/14,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Mount Kilimanjaro - Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The rest of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early.
Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Mount Kilimanjaro - Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), begin the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continue ascending to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. There are incredible views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here, descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most challenging part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and maintaining a positive attitude will get you there!
Horombo Hut to trail head to Moshi hotel
Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be sufficient (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Monkey Adventures vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
- Qualified guides for safari
- National park fees
- Tents and sleeping mattresses
- Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees
- All meals on the mountain
- Cutlery, crockery, eating utensils
- Mess tent for dining
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Airport transfers (two ways)
- Accommodation (two nights)
- Breakfast
- Rescue fees
- Pulse oximeters
- First aid kit
- Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries
- Boiled water on the mountain
- Special water on safari
- Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips and Meals and drinks not specified
- Gear for your climb/safari and Items of personal nature
- Visas and Emergency oxygen
The Rongai Route is one of the easiest routes and the success rate is very high.
The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least traveled routes. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many view points.
The drive to the trail head takes about 3 hours from Moshi through many villages and coffee plantations, including a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu.
The Rongai Route can also be accessed from Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Allow 2 hours including border crossing. We will need copies of passports ahead of time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
