01 Rongai Gate (1,800m/5,900ft) to First Cave Camp (2,600m/8,400ft)
Elevation Gain: 760 metres, 2,000 feet
After an early breakfast in Moshi, drive to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registering at the gate, begin your climb to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. During the first day, hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first campsite. Rongai ascends via the less forested northern side of the mountain.
02
First Cave Camp (2,600m/8,400ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,000 metres, 3,280 feet
During day two hike through Kilimanjaro’s moorland. The Rongai route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter hiking times. During this day, view Mawenzi Peak ahead.
03
Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 730 metres, 2,390 feet
This day is an acclimatisation day, allowing you to hike in the beginning of the day and rest in the afternoon and evening.
04
Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day four is an acclimatisation day at Mawenzi Tarn. We advise hiking a bit higher this day before returning to Mawenzi Tarn in the afternoon.
05
Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft)
Elevation Gain: 420 metres/1380 feet
06
Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,145 metres, 3,760 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,175 metres, 7,140 feet
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your torch.
07
Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,920 metres, 6,295 feet
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi/Arusha. You will be able to buy t-shirts and soft drinks at the gate.
