7-day Rongai route trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

We will send a driver to the airport to pick you up and take you to the hotel in Moshi. Short briefing at the hotel. Our guides will emphasise all the important details regarding your trek. Hiking gear check.

After an early breakfast in Arusha, we will transfer to the Rongai (Nalemoru) Gate near the Kenya border. We begin our climb on this unspoilt wilderness route. The trek then starts to go up consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2600m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
The first day is only a half-day walk.
Nalemoru Gate to Rongai Camp (2,600 m): 3-4 hours trekking time.

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave, (3,450m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After a hot lunch we have free time to rest at the camp or in the afternoon we can explore the surrounding area with an acclimatization hike to Third Cave.
Rongai Camp to Second Cave (3,450 m): 3-4 hours trekking time.

Gradual rise through beautiful open moorland towards jagged pinnacles of Mawenzi to Kikelewa Camp (3679m). We reach in the late afternoon the Kikelewa Caves for dinner and overnight at the camp.
Second Cave to Kikelewa Caves (3.600 m): 3-4 hours trekking time.

A short but steep ascent to Mawenzi Tarn (4330m). We leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn. The afternoon is free to help to your acclimatization.
Kikelelwa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m):3-4 hours trekking time.

Today we cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and KiboHut (4700m), at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall by early afternoon.  There is no running water at Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.
Mawenzi Turn to Kibo Hut (4,700m); 5-6 hours trekking time.

We wake up before midnight under cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree. Some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to the rim of the main crater, Gillman’s (5,685 m). We will rest there for few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment we descend to Kiko Hut, very fast. We stop at Kibo Hut for some refreshment and we continue to descend to reach Horrombo Hut.
Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut (3100 m): 13-15 hours trekking time.

Today we will descend past Mandara hut to Marangu Gate. Successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. From here you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi for dinner and overnight.
Horombo hut to Marangu Gate. (6-7 hours walking).

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport or alternatively you can extend your trip in Tanzania and go on safari.