Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

Itinerary Overview: Upon arriving in Moshi or Arusha, you will be transferred to your hotel where you’ll meet your guide and have a briefing about the trek. This is an opportunity to go over your gear, ask any last-minute questions, and prepare mentally for the journey ahead. Ensure you get a good night’s rest in preparation for the start of your trek.

Day 2: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Altitude Gain: 650 meters (2,133 feet)
Habitat: Montane Forest
Duration: 3-4 hours

Itinerary Overview: After breakfast, you’ll drive from Moshi to the Rongai Gate near the Kenyan border. Once the registration is complete, the trek begins through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the montane forest. The trail gently ascends through a forest teeming with wildlife, including the possibility of seeing colobus monkeys. You’ll enjoy a packed lunch en route. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Simba Camp (2,600 meters/8,530 feet), where you’ll set up camp, have dinner, and spend your first night on the mountain.

Day 3: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp

Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Altitude Gain: 560 meters (1,837 feet)
Habitat: Moorland
Duration: 3-4 hours

Itinerary Overview: The day begins with breakfast, followed by a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp (3,450 meters/11,319 feet). The trail moves out of the forest zone and into the moorlands, offering expansive views over the Kenyan plains. The vegetation becomes sparser, characterized by heathers and small shrubs. You’ll have a packed lunch at camp. In the afternoon, there is an optional acclimatization hike to Third Cave. Dinner and overnight stay at Second Cave Camp.

Day 4: Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Altitude Gain: 550 meters (1,804 feet)
Habitat: Moorland
Duration: 5-6 hours

Itinerary Overview: After breakfast, the trek continues through the moorland, gradually gaining altitude. You’ll pass through the “Third Cave” and continue to Kikelewa Camp (4,000 meters/13,123 feet). The route offers fantastic views of the eastern ice fields on the crater rim. You’ll enjoy a packed lunch en route. Upon reaching Kikelewa Camp, you’ll have dinner and spend the night under the stars, surrounded by giant groundsels and lobelias.

Day 5: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Altitude Gain: 640 meters (2,100 feet)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Duration: 3-4 hours

Itinerary Overview: The day starts with a hearty breakfast before a steep climb up the grassy slopes. The path becomes rockier and more rugged as you ascend towards Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,300 meters/14,108 feet), situated in a dramatic cirque beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. You’ll have a packed lunch upon arrival and an afternoon acclimatization hike around the tarn. Dinner and overnight stay at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, with stunning views of Mawenzi Peak.

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Altitude Gain: 390 meters (1,280 feet)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Duration: 5-6 hours

Itinerary Overview: After breakfast, you’ll trek across the lunar-like landscape of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The trail is barren and windswept, providing an otherworldly experience. You’ll arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700 meters/15,420 feet) by early afternoon. After a hot lunch, the rest of the day is spent resting and preparing for the summit attempt. An early dinner is served, followed by a briefing on the ascent. You’ll go to bed early in anticipation of the midnight summit push.

Day 7: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Distance to Uhuru Peak: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Distance to Horombo Hut: 16 km (10 miles)
Altitude Gain to Uhuru Peak: 1,195 meters (3,920 feet)
Altitude Loss to Horombo Hut: 2,175 meters (7,136 feet)
Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
Duration: 12-16 hours

Itinerary Overview: The summit attempt begins around midnight. The path to Gilman’s Point (5,685 meters/18,652 feet) on the crater rim is steep and involves a challenging climb through scree and volcanic rock. You’ll take a short rest at Gilman’s Point before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters/19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, you’ll begin the descent back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and brunch. The descent continues to Horombo Hut (3,720 meters/12,205 feet), where you’ll have dinner and spend the night.

Day 8: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
Altitude Loss: 1,980 meters (6,496 feet)
Habitat: Moorland to Rainforest
Duration: 6-7 hours

Itinerary Overview: After breakfast, you’ll complete your descent through the moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate (1,880 meters/6,170 feet). This final leg of the trek offers a chance to enjoy the lush surroundings and reflect on the journey. At Marangu Gate, you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can enjoy a well-deserved shower and celebration.

Additional Tips for a Successful Trek

1. Acclimatization: The Rongai Route is designed to maximize acclimatization, with several days of gradual ascent. Take advantage of optional acclimatization hikes.
2. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help with acclimatization.
3. Pace Yourself: Walk slowly and steadily. “Pole pole” (slowly, slowly) is the mantra for Kilimanjaro.
4. Proper Gear: Ensure you have the right gear, including warm clothing, good hiking boots, and a suitable sleeping bag.
5. Nutrition: Eat well and often. Your body needs fuel to manage the physical exertion and altitude.
6. Mental Preparation: The summit night is physically and mentally challenging. Stay positive and focused on your goal.