Rongai Route Itinerary
8 Days | 7 Nights
Start your journey
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), an Africa Nature Photographyrepresentative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. You’ll enjoy comfortable rooms, hot showers, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening, our managers will hold a full briefing to ensure you’re ready for the climb.
Private tour packages include shared airport transfers for your group. Extra charges apply for individual transfers coordinate arrival and departure times to avoid extra costs.
PLEASE NOTE: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
DAY 2: Trekking from Nale Moru Gate to Simba Camp
After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Kilimanjaro’s northern side to Nale Moru Gate. Registration complete, you’ll begin trekking through maize fields and pine forest, gradually ascending into the moorland zone. Your first overnight is at Simba Camp.
Trekking time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
DAY 3 Trekking from Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
The trail continues with gentle gradients, offering views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields. Arrive at Second Cave Camp in time for lunch, followed by an optional acclimatization walk.
Trekking time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
DAY 4 Trekking from Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp
The vegetation becomes sparse as you trek through open moorland. The climb is moderate, with impressive views of the peaks. Camp is set at Kikelewa Camp, surrounded by giant groundsels and lobelias.
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Lodgings
Canopy Migration Camp - Ndutu
DAY 5 Trekking from Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
A short but steep climb brings you to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, nestled at the foot of the jagged Mawenzi peak. The afternoon can be spent resting or exploring nearby ridges for acclimatization.
Trekking time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
DAY 6 Trekking from Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Cross the lunar-like saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks to reach Kibo Hut. Rest early in preparation for your summit attempt tonight.
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Day Use Room
Airport Planet Lodge
DAY 7 Summit to Uhuru Peak, then descent to Horombo Hut
Depart around midnight for your summit push via Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,336 ft). After celebrating, descend back to Kibo for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut.
PLEASE NOTE: Keep a steady pace and watch your step during the descent.
Trekking time: 12–16 hours
Distance: 21 km (13 miles)
DAY 8 Descent from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Continue your descent through rainforest to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificate and transfer to your hotel.
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
DAY 9 Departure
Enjoy breakfast and transfer to the airport.
PLEASE NOTE: Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
