7-Day Private Kilimanjaro Trekking via Rongai Route

Day 1: Rongai Gate (1,950m/6,400ft) to Simba Camp (2,625m/8,610ft)

1. Rongai
   Pass by
   This morning you will drive for approximately 2-3 hours to the Rongai Nalemoru Gate, near the Kenyan border. After registering, begin your hike through the forest where you may see and hear wildlife, including black and white Colobus monkeys. Enjoy lunch on the trail, before continuing to the first campsite.
   
   Elevation Gain: 675m/2,210ft

Day 2: Simba Camp (2,625m/8,610ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,800ft)

1. Rongai
   8h
   Day two takes you through Kilimanjaro's moorland with views of Mawenzi Peak ahead. The morning is steep and here you may begin to feel the altitude. Explore the first cave before resting over lunch close to the second cave. The afternoon is gentler, contouring across the moorland to camp in a sheltered valley. Trekking time approximately 6-8 hours.
   
   Elevation Gain: 975m/3,190ft

Day 3: Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,800ft) to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m/14,200ft)

1. Rongai
   Pass by
   Today you will hike in the morning and rest in the afternoon, to help you acclimatize. The trail is relatively short but steep, and you are rewarded with superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness. The campsite lies below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.
   
   Elevation Gain: 730m/2,400ft

Day 4: Acclimatization Walk & Return to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

1. Rongai
   Pass by
   Today you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast, as you will be staying at Mawenzi Tarn for a second night and do not need to pack! The morning will be spent on an acclimatization walk. Dependent upon how you are feeling this can be a steep walk up the scree slopes towards the peak of Mawenzi, or a gentler climb to the ridge or the lunar desert, visiting the eerie site of a plane crash.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Huts Camp (4,700m/15,410ft)

1. Kibo Tower
   Pass by
   The saddle crossing between Kibo and Mawenzi feels lunar and offers spectacular views, but is exposed and can be windy. Kibo Huts Camp sits directly below the summit cone, looking down over the Kenyan plains and Mawenzi and upwards to the climb that lies ahead. After lunch and a full summit briefing, rest in preparation for your summit attempt.
   
   Elevation Gain: 370m/1,210ft

Day 6: Kibo Huts (4,700m/15,410ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) then descending to Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft)

1. Kilimanjaro National Park
   Pass by
   Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail consists mostly of steep switchbacks, with a rocky section known as Jamaica Rocks to scramble over as you approach the crater rim at Gilman's Point (5,756m). The hike from Gilman's to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude however makes it feel long and tiring. After summit celebrations descend to Kibo Huts to eat, before continuing down to Horombo Huts to camp. Total trekking time is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day.
   
   Elevation Gain: 1,195 m/3,930ft
   Elevation Gain: 2,175m/7,140ft

Day 7: Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,840m/6,040ft)to Moshi

1. Climbing Marangu Route
   Pass by
   Elevation Gain:1,880m/6,160ft
   
   Finish your trek with a descent to the Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through the cloud forest. This trek will take approximately 5-6 hours. At the gate, you will be met and transferred to Moshi.

Pickup details

For customers arriving in Tanzania for the first time, I will pick you up at the airport, but for those who are already arriving in Tanzania, I will pick you up at your hotel.

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness