6 Days Rongai Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a La Pisada Africa Safaris representative will meet you and transfer you to Springlands Hotel in Moshi. Take this time to relax and prepare for your climb. Overnight stay at the hotel with full board meals.

After breakfast and a briefing with your guide, meet your porters and finalize your gear check before heading to Rongai. The trek begins from the charming wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950m), following a narrow trail through farmland before entering a beautiful pine forest.

The trail gently ascends through the forest, home to diverse wildlife, including the striking Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. As the trees begin to thin out, you reach your first campsite at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600m), offering sweeping views over the Kenyan plains.

Elevation: 1,950m / 6,400ft to 2,600m / 8,530ft
 
Distance: 6km / 3.7mi
 
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
 
Habitat: Montane Forest
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
 
Overnight Stay: Simba Camp / First Cave Camp

The morning trek is a steady ascent to Second Cave (3,450m), where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Kibo and the Eastern Ice Fields on the crater rim.

After lunch, leave the main trail and follow a smaller path across the moorland towards the rugged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is set in a secluded valley surrounded by giant groundsels near Kikelewa or Second Cave Camp at an altitude of 3,600m.

Elevation: 2,600m / 8,530ft to 3,600m / 11,810ft
 
Distance: 11km / 6.8mi
 
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
 
Habitat: Moorland
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
 
Overnight Stay: Kikelewa Camp / Second Cave Camp

A short but steep climb leads up grassy slopes, rewarding you with stunning panoramic views and an increasing sense of wilderness. Vegetation fades as you reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m), located dramatically beneath the towering peaks of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing, exploring the surrounding ridges, or resting at camp.

Elevation: 3,600m / 11,810ft to 4,330m / 14,210ft
 
Distance: 5km / 3.1mi
 
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
 
Habitat: Alpine Desert
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
 
Overnight Stay: Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Crossing the barren lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, today’s trek takes you to Kibo Camp (4,750m), positioned at the base of Kibo's crater wall. The landscape is dry and desolate, offering an eerie yet awe-inspiring experience. The rest of the day is reserved for rest and preparation for the final summit push.

Elevation: 4,330m / 14,210ft to 4,750m / 15,580ft
 
Distance: 8km / 5mi
 
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
 
Habitat: Alpine Desert
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
 
Overnight Stay: Kibo Camp

Your summit attempt begins just after midnight. With headlamps lighting the way, climb through steep switchbacks on loose volcanic scree towards Gilman’s Point (5,685m) at the crater rim.

Take a brief rest to enjoy the sunrise before pushing forward along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, descend back to Kibo for a short break before continuing down to Horombo Camp (3,720m).

Elevation: 4,750m / 15,580ft to 5,895m / 19,340ft to 3,720m / 12,205ft
 
Distance: 6km / 3.7mi up, 16km / 9.9mi down
 
Hiking Time: 11-15 hours
 
Habitat: Arctic / Alpine Desert / Moorland
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
 
Overnight Stay: Horombo Camp

The final descent follows the Marangu Route, passing through lush moorland and into the rainforest. At Mandara Hut (2,700m), take a short rest before continuing to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1,830m). Upon arrival, receive your well-earned summit certificates before being transferred to Moshi.

Elevation: 3,720m / 12,205ft to 1,830m / 6,004ft
 
Distance: 20km / 12.4mi
 
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
 
Habitat: Moorland & Rainforest
 
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
 
Overnight Stay: Springlands Hotel, Moshi (Full Board)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight or continue your adventure with an optional safari.

Meals: Breakfast