Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour

After an early breakfast at your hotel in Arusha (1400m), you will be picked up and driven to the Marangu Gate (1980m). At the gate, the porters will prepare for the hike while you register with Tanzania National Park. Following this, you'll be taken to the Rongai trailhead, a 2.5-hour drive from the Marangu Gate.

The trail starts in cornfields, transitions to a pine forest with a gentle incline, offering hikers a pleasant journey. A lunch break is scheduled halfway up the trail before arriving at the 1st Caves Camp (2600m) by late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef will have already set up camp, provided water, snacks, and dinner. Prepare for potentially freezing temperatures overnight on the mountain.

After breakfast, hikers will proceed with their climb towards Kikelewa Cave (3600m), passing by Second Cave (3450m), a good lunch stop. Upon reaching camp, tents will be ready, with porters arranging drinking and washing water. Evening snacks and dinner will be served by the chef, as temperatures may plummet below freezing at this open camp, so prepare accordingly for a cold night.

Hikers will tackle a brief but steep path to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) on this day, passing through the moorland where unique flora like giant lobelia and groundsel can be seen. Upon arrival, hikers can take in breathtaking views, acclimate to the altitude, and witness a stunning sunset.

A hot dinner and washing water will be provided, allowing hikers to relax and enjoy the evening at this cozy camp.

After breakfast, hikers will proceed with a half-day ascent to Kibo Hut located in the "Saddle," between the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks in an alpine desert. This camp lacks water facilities, but hikers can purchase drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be provided to allow hikers to rest before their summit attempt that night.

Guides will offer detailed instructions on preparing for the summit night, emphasizing the importance of resting early, aiming for lights out by 19:00.

Your guide will awaken you at around 23:30 for a light meal of tea and biscuits before commencing the summit push. The trail is rugged as you climb to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m) and then further to Gillman's Point (5681m), a challenging section due to its steep, rocky terrain at high altitude. Gillman's Point marks the rim of the crater, with a snowy path leading to the ultimate goal, Uhuru Peak (5895m).

Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a monumental achievement, offering a brief opportunity for photos and refreshments before beginning the descent to Barafu. The journey back to Kibo Hut lasts approximately 3 hours.

At Kibo Hut, you can relax in the sun, savor a warm lunch, then proceed with the descent to Horombo Hut (3720m). After a satisfying dinner, washing up, and a demanding day, you can rest comfortably at the hut.

After a satisfying breakfast, your team will host a lively celebration filled with dancing and singing. This mountain gathering is where you will distribute tips to the guide, assistant guides, chefs, and porters. Following the festivities, you will embark on a 6-hour descent back to Marangu Gate (1980m).

The National Park mandates all hikers to sign off for certificates of accomplishment. Those who reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) will be awarded green certificates, while those who conquered Uhuru Peak (5895m) will receive gold certificates. Once you have your certificates in hand, you will be driven back to your hotel in Moshi.