Arrive in Tanzania You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Arusha; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
The Rongai Route approaches from the northern side of Kili near the Kenyan border. This route has very low traffic and is a great choice during the rainy season.
We recommend the 7 Day trek for this provides you with sufficient time to acclimate and enjoy your trek.​

Day 1: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)
This morning we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys, elephants or buffalos. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 4-5 hours​

Day 2: Simba Camp (2625m) to 2nd Cave Camp (3480m)
After breakfast we continue on the morning hike which is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp. This camp is located in the moorland zone with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi
Approx. time taken: 3-4 hours​

Day 3: 2nd Cave Camp (3480m) to Kikelewa Camp (3630m)
Leaving the pine forest behind us carry on with a steady ascent walking though moorland. There are superb views of the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanoes which form the mountain. We will leave
the main trail and strike out across moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the second of Kilimanjaro’s volcanoes. We will set up camp today in the sheltered valley near Kikelewa caves at 3630m
Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi
Approx. time taken: 3-4 hrs
​
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp (3630m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)
This morning we have a short but steep ascent up grassy slopes which is rewarded by a superb view of the Kenyan plains to the north. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut directly below the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. This afternoon you have chance to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 4-5 hours​

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)​
We leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo After a couple hours trekking, reach this spectacular place, with the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background and our trail to the high camp
stretched out before our eyes. Upon reaching our camp the remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation of the final ascent after a very early night!
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 5-6 hours​

Day 6: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)
Today is summit day!
You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) -the crater rim of Kilimanjaro-where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1-2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1-2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
Approx. time taken: 12-15 hours​

Day 7: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel.
Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success inreaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.
Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hours