9 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro, Rongai Route!

After your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver will transfer you to the  hotel of your choice. Settle into your accommodation, take time to relax and to get used to the African atmosphere. It is possible to book an extra day rest (day 2), to reload and get ready to start your climb the next day (day 3). This extra day increases the chances of reaching the summit.

Note. The hotel on the first and last day is not included in this itinerary since we want to give you the freedom to make your own choice. You prefer basic ($40 per night bed & breakfast) or 5-star luxury? Just let us know and we can book any hotel in Moshi for you. Our price will never be higher than booking.com.

Elevation gain: 800 meter/ 2,624 feet

On this first day your driver picks you up at your hotel in Moshi to drive you tot he Rongai Gate, close to the Kenyan border.  After registration yu drive to the Rongai starting point at 1,950 meters. The easy going trail is gradual and enters the rainforest on the first day. You can hear lots of animals and even see the rare black-and-white colobus monkey. Rongai Route is one of the more quieter routes and one of the best to spot wildlife. You arrive in the afternoon at Rongai First Cave Camp.

Elevation gain: 1000 meter / 3,280 feet

On this second day you climb from the rainforest into alpine moorland. During the day you can see the Mawenzi peak in the distance. The trek is steep and you will start feeling the altitude. At the first cave there will be a short break and the chance to explore the environment. Lunch is often 6km further at the second cave, before you turn east to Kikelewa Camp for overnight. In the afternoon the trail will be less steep and you can enjoy the beautiful landscape. This second day is a long hike, roughly 6-7 hours. An additional acclimatization day is highly recommended on this route.

Elevation gain: 730 meter / 2,395 feet

Today is a steep but short climb to the Mawenzi Tarn, nearby the Mawenzi peak (one of Kilimanjaro’s three highest peaks). The sights over the Tanzanian wilderness and Mawenzi and Kibo peak are spectacular. Around lunch you arrive, so you can relax and acclimatize the entire afternoon and evening.

Elevation gain: 370 meter/ 1,213 feet

After a good breakfast, you gradually climb towards the beautiful lunar desert. Your trek ascends onto the ‘saddle’ of Kilimanjaro, between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The vegetation thins out as you enter the alpine zone.  Kibo Camp is located at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall, close to the Kibo peak. From here you have great views over the Kenyan plains. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening relaxing, preparing for the final ascend to the summit the next day. Be reminded to prepare your gear, headlamp, water and warm clothes before you go to sleep.

Elevation gain: 1,195 meter / 3,920 feet

Elevation loss: 2,175 meter / 7,135 feet

Conquer the roof of Africa today! Around midnight, the most challenging part of the trek starts. It is dark, cold and the trail is steep to Gilman’s Point (rim of the main crater). Ascend in the darkness for a couple of hours while taking short breaks. At Gilman’s Point you can enjoy the most beautiful sunrise over Mawenzi. From Gilman’s Point, it is another 2-3 hours climb to the Uhuru Peak, the highest point of the Kilimanjaro. Celebrate your accomplishment at the summit while you look out onto a incredible vast landscape of white snow and towering peaks. From the summit you go downhill all the way to Horombo Hut where you have lunch and spend your last dinner and night on the mountain. Enjoy a well-earned sleep after a challenging and very long day (about 14 hours).

Elevation loss: 1890 meter / 6,200 feet

Today’s descent is a trek mostly downhill, trough the tropical forest, unto the Marangu gate. After 5-6 hours you arrive at the bottom of the mountain, where you can collect your summit certificate. Your driver brings you to your hotel in Moshi for dinner and overnight.

Today you can relax at the lodge or explore the surrounding area. You can choose to extend your journey with a beautiful Tanzania Safari. Another option is to unwind on the tropical Zanzibar Island or one of the other exotic beach destinations Pemba Island and Mafia Island. If you choose to go home after your Kilimanjaro trek, you fly back home on day 9.