6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route

Day 1: NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP: 7km /5mi | 3-4 hrs | Rainforest

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   4h · Admission ticket included
   Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
   Altitude gained: 638m
   
   Departing from Moshi a 4-5 hour drive will take you through the coffee plantations and Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery, and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife you are likely to see. Simba camp sits near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone with spectacular views of the plains of Kenya.

Day 2: SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP: 5.8km/3.6mi | 5-6hrs | Moorland

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   6h · Admission ticket included
   Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft
   Altitude gained: 852m
   
   After a good night sleep and a hearty breakfast we continue along moorland terrain on a consistent ascending path. You will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.

Day 3: SECOND CAVE CAMP – THIRD CAVE CAMP: 3.3km/2mi | 3-4hrs | Semi Desert

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   4h · Admission ticket included
   Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3936m/12,913ft
   Altitude gained: 449m
   
   After breakfast and packing, you continue your stead ascent, entering into the semi-desert terrain. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Easter ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness.

Day 4: THIRD CAVE CAMP- KIBO HUTS: 6.7km/4.2mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   5h · Admission ticket included
   Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 5174m/16975ft
   Altitude gained: 1238m
   
   As you depart early the semi-desert zone from the Third Cave early in the morning and begin your trek into the Alpine Desert terrain for the remainder of your ascent. Today’s hike will take you just below the Kibo crater wall to the Kibo Huts. At this point, you will merge with the Marangu Route, which you will use to hike to the summit. You will prepare your clothing and equipment (replace batteries for headlamp and camera) before you go to bed by 7 PM and try to catch a few hours of rest before your summit attempt.

Day 5: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4km /2.5 mi up | 5-7hrs | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75km /9.8mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers.

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   6h · Admission ticket included
   Elevation: 5174m/16,975ft to 5895m/19,341ft
   Altitude gained: 721m | Descent to: 3721m/12,208ft
   Altitude lost: 2174m
   
   An early start between midnight and 2 a.m. begins the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek. You'll ascend between Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, pushing through steep scree in switchbacks toward Stella Point on the crater rim. Here, take a short break and witness a stunning sunrise. Faster climbers may catch it from the summit. From Stella Point, a final 1-hour trek leads to Uhuru Peak—Africa’s highest point.
   
   Celebrate with photos, joy, and pride in your achievement. Then begin your descent to Horombo Hut, stopping at Kibo Hut for lunch and a quick rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel and volcanic ash. Enjoy a well-earned rest on your last night at Horombo Hut.

Day 6: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 20km/12.5mi |6-7hrs | Rainforest

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   7h · Admission ticket included
   Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft
   Altitude lost: 1816m
   
   After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes).

Pickup details

Pickup will be from your hotel if you’ve booked accommodation through us. For travelers who have arranged their own hotel, please meet us at our office in Moshi. Exact pickup or meeting time will be confirmed after booking. Our team will provide all necessary instructions prior to the climb.

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