Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, French
Group sizeUp to 15 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
Starting from the Rongai gate, the route traverses several diverse climate zones, and each produces its own amazing views and experiences. Because of its remote location the route offers trekkers a relatively unspoilt wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant and buffalo. Heading up to Kikelewa Caves on day two, the views start to open up, with the Amboseli Plains of Kenya stretching into the distance. The route continues up to the mountain’s second summit at Mawenzi, before crossing the Saddle, a barren plain that connects the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. After reaching the summit, the descent is along the more heavily travelled Marangu route, offering you the chance to see Mount Kilimanjaro from both sides.
What's included
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
Laundry available at 4$ per cloth
What to expect
Day 1: Arrival Day
Moshi Town
12h · Admission ticket included
Meet and greet upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver will be waiting for you at the arrival hall, you will recognize him by a sign banner bearing your lead traveler's name or your own name if you are traveling alone, you will the be taken to Keys Hotel in Moshi town for your overnight stay.
Day 2: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Kilimanjaro National Park
6h
You will be driven from Keys hotel to Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registering at the gate, we take the first hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first campsite. Rongai ascends via the less forested northern side of the mountain.
The Rongai Route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro because of the long drive to the gate. The Rongai trail is thought to have the best chance of viewing wildlife.
Day 3: First Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Kilimanjaro National Park
7h
Hike through Kilimanjaro’s moorland. The Rongai route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter hiking times. During the hike, view Mawenzi Peak ahead.
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Kilimanjaro National Park
6h
This more leisurely acclimatization day starts with a morning hike followed by a rest in the afternoon and evening. The hike is relatively short but steep. The Mawenzi Tarn campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp
Kilimanjaro National Park
6h
Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle on this day to arrive at the final campsite. Kibo Camp is situated directly below the Kibo cone, giving you stunning uninterrupted views of your final destination.
Day 6: Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Kilimanjaro National Park
8h
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Hike by the light of your flashlight for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point.
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 the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes about two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Kilimanjaro National Park
8h
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Keys hotel.
Meeting and pickup
Pickup details
We work 24 hours, and we pick and drop off all our clients at Kilimanjaro International Airport day and night.
Additional information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
