7 Days Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Climb

First Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, 6km/ 4 miles

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the second cave where we come across the open moorland, with excellent views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. We stay over the night at Second Cave at 3450 meter, where we eat our fresh well deserved dinner.

Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours, 9km/5 miles

After breakfast we head out across the moorland, on a smaller path towards the peaks of Mawenzi. Here the views will start open up and feel the great impact of this mountain. We reach the 3th cave in a sheltered valley with giant senecios nearby, Kikelewa Camp is our stop for today. We take in this beautiful setting at 3600 meter, and take a good night sleep!

Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, 6km/4 miles

This morning we start with a short but steep climb up grassy slopes, its rewarded by outstanding views. It’s time to leave the vegetation behind and reach the next campsite. Mawenzi Tarn at 4330 meter is spectaculary situated in the cirque directly below the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
If you are spending 8 days on the mountain, you will stay over for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.

Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, 9km/5miles

The trek continues across the lunar desert, on the east side of the Kibo where we crossing “The Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo . It taks up to 5 hours to reach Kibo campsite on 4750 meter at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The rest of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and acclimatize the body.

Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up to summit 6 km/4 miles and descent 15km/9 miles down

After midnight around 2 am in the morning , we begin our climb to reach the summit. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. On a steep and heavy scree with snow we will reach Gilman’s point (5861 meter), located on the crater rim. We continuing our trek of 2-4 hours to ascend Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views take made this climb worth it! Have your picture taken at the summit, this will be a life long lasting memory. From here we descend and stop over for lunch and rest at Kibo hut, before continuing on to the Horombo encampment to overnight.

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, 20km/12.5 miles

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest paths to the Marangu National Park gate. A vehicle will be waiting for you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. Here all hikers that reach the summit will get an official well earned certificate!