Kilimandjaro RONGAI Route

Service Description

Day 1: Rongai Gate (1950m) to Simba Camp (2625m) Distance: Approximately 8 km Hiking Time: 3-4h Elevation Gain: +675m The hike begins at Rongai Gate on the northern side of the mountain, near the Kenyan border. The trail winds through farmland and pine forests, providing a gentle ascent. Simba Camp offers great views of the Kenyan plains. Day 2: Simba Camp (2625m) to Second Cave Camp (3450m) Distance: Approximately 8 km Hiking Time: 5-6h Elevation Gain: +825m The trail continues through heather and moorland zones, with increasingly expansive views. You'll reach Second Cave Camp by midday, with the afternoon available for rest or a short acclimatization hike to nearby caves. Day 3: Second Cave Camp (3450m) to Kikelewa Camp (3600m) Distance: Approximately 6 km Hiking Time: 3-4h Elevation Gain: +150m This shorter day allows for more acclimatization. The trail becomes steeper and more rugged as you approach Kikelewa Camp. The landscape features giant lobelias and groundsels, unique to this altitude. Day 4: Kikelewa Camp (3600m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) Distance: Approximately 5 km Hiking Time: 3-4h Elevation Gain: +730m The trail ascends steeply towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Mawenzi Tarn Camp is situated in a picturesque valley with views of Mawenzi’s towering spires. This camp is excellent for acclimatization due to its higher elevation. Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) to Kibo Hut (4700m) Distance: Approximately 9 km Hiking Time: 5-6h Elevation Gain: +370m You cross the lunar desert of the Saddle, which lies between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain is barren and stark, offering a dramatic contrast to the earlier lush zones. Kibo Hut is the base camp for the final summit push. Day 6: Kibo Hut (4700m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) and descent to Horombo Hut (3720m) Distance: Approximately 21 km (6 km ascent and 15 km descent) Hiking Time: 10-14h Elevation Gain: +1195m (ascent), -2175m (descent) The summit attempt begins around midnight. The trail to the summit passes through Gilman’s Point (5681m) before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the peak, you descend back to Kibo Hut for a rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut. Day 7: Horombo Hut (3720m) to Marangu Gate (1860m) Distance: Approximately 20 km Hiking Time: 5-7h Elevation Loss: -1860m The final descent takes you through the moorland and rainforest zones to Marangu Gate. At the gate, you will receive your certificate of achievement.