Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to Moshi Town or Arusha. Attend a pre-trek briefing, gear check, and final preparations before an overnight stay in a hotel in Moshi.

Day 2: Nalemoru Gate (1,950m) → Simba Camp (2,625m)
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: 675m
Terrain: Rainforest

After breakfast, drive to Nalemoru Gate, where you'll register and start your trek. The trail is gentle and dry, passing through farmland and rainforest. Spot Colobus monkeys along the way before arriving at Simba Camp for your first night on the mountain.

Day 3: Simba Camp (2,625m) → Kikelewa Camp (3,630m)
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,005m
Terrain: Moorland

The trail leaves the rainforest and enters the heath and moorland zone, offering breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak (5,149m). After lunch at Second Cave Camp (3,450m), continue towards Kikelewa Camp, surrounded by giant Senecio plants.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp (3,630m) → Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Elevation Gain: 700m
Terrain: Alpine Moorland

A steep climb rewards you with fantastic views before arriving at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located beneath the rugged spires of Mawenzi Peak. This is one of the most scenic camps on Kilimanjaro. Spend the afternoon resting or exploring nearby ridges for better acclimatization.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m) → Kibo Hut (4,703m)
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Elevation Gain: 373m
Terrain: Alpine Desert

Cross The Saddle, a wide lunar-like plain between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. As the air gets thinner, reach Kibo Hut, your final base before the summit push. Rest early, as the summit attempt begins around midnight.

Day 6: Kibo Hut (4,703m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Distance: 6 km (ascent) + 16 km (descent)
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours (ascent) + 5–7 hours (descent)
Elevation Gain: 1,192m
Elevation Loss: 2,175m
Terrain: Arctic → Alpine Desert → Moorland

Summit Night begins at midnight, passing Hans Meyer Cave (5,150m) and Gilman’s Point (5,681m) before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Watch the sunrise before descending back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue to Horombo Hut for the night.

Day 7: Horombo Hut (3,720m) → Marangu Gate (1,860m) → Moshi
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Elevation Loss: 1,860m
Terrain: Moorland → Rainforest

Trek down through heath and rainforest to Marangu Gate. After collecting your summit certificate, transfer back to Moshi for a well-earned celebratory dinner and a night in a hotel.

Day 8: Departure or Optional Activities
Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or extend your adventure with a Serengeti safari, a visit to Ngorongoro Crater, or relaxation on Zanzibar’s beaches.

Why Choose the Rongai Route?
A quieter alternative to other routes, with a more gradual ascent that improves acclimatization. The drier conditions make it the best option for trekking during rainy seasons, and the unique views approach Kilimanjaro from the remote northern side.