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 registration and porter preparation, begin the hike on a broad path that meanders through maize and potato fields before entering a pine forest. The trail then gently ascends through a picturesque forest that is home to various wildlife. As the forest thins out, the first camp is located at the edge of the moorland zone, offering expansive 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 involves a steady climb to the Second Cave, providing excellent 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 - Traverse the moorland on a narrower path towards the rugged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is situated 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 brief but steep climb up grassy slopes rewards you with stunning views. Vegetation fades away shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, dramatically located in a cirque beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon is free to rest or explore the 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-like desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the base of the Kibo crater wall. Spend the rest of the day resting in preparation for the final ascent early the next morning.

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 - Start the climb to the summit very early in the morning (midnight to 2am) on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continue ascending to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, with breathtaking views at every turn. Take a photo at the summit to share with friends and family. Descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing to the Horombo encampment.

The initial climb is done in the dark, requiring headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so all warm layers are necessary. This is the most challenging part of the trek with many switchbacks. Moving slowly “pole pole” and maintaining a positive attitude will help you reach the summit!

Horombo Hut to trail head to the hotel

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, a steady descent takes you 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 are useful. Shorts and t-shirts are likely sufficient (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

A 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.