Home Treks Mount Kilimanjaro Trek – Rongai Route

Day by Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met by a Adventure Makers Tanzania representative and transferred to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure – rest in your room, relax in the manicured gardens with a good book, enjoy a swim in the pool or explore Arusha and the surrounding areas on one of our day tours, the choice is yours.

Overnight – Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha

Day 2: Mount Kilimanjaro, Rongai Route

After breakfast you will depart Arusha and drive to the Marangu Gate located inside the Kilimanjaro National Park where you will sign in, complete your registration and other formalities before driving a further 70km to Nalemoru, the starting point of the Rongai Route and the only trail that starts from the North, or Kenyan side of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Today you will follow a gradual and winding trail that crosses maize fields and potato farms before entering the rainforest. Due to its remote location, you will experience an unspoilt wilderness and today you will have the opportunity to witness elephants, buffalo, antelopes and the colobus monkey. In the afternoon you will reach Rongai First Cave Camp which is located on the edge of a moorland zone offering expensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Starting Point: Nalemoru Gate 1,950m

End Point: Rongai First Cave 2,620m

Walking Time: 3-4 Hours approx.

Overnight – Rongai First Cave, Mount Kilimanjaro

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Mount Kilimanjaro, Rongai Route

Today you will continue through the rainforest to the Rongai Second Cave at 3,450m which offers magnificent views of Kibo and the Eastern Ice Fields on the Crater Rim. The trail is a steady ascent through low alpine moorland and you will notice the vegetation change. After lunch you will leave the main trail and continue across a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi to Kikelewa Camp where you will spend the night.

Starting Point: Rongai First Cave 2,620m

End Point: Kikelewa Camp 3,600m

Walking Time: 5-7 Hours approx.

Overnight – Kikelewa Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro  

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Mount Kilimanjaro, Rongai Route 

Today is a short but steep climb from Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn which sits in the shadow of the Mawenzi Peak. You will arrive in time for lunch and spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding area and acclimatise.

Starting Point: Kikelewa Camp 3,600m

End Point: Mawenzi Tarn Camp 4,303m

Walking Time: 3-4 Hours approx.

Overnight – Mawenzi Tarn Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro  

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Mount Kilimanjaro, Rongai Route

For clients trekking the Rongai Route in 7 days today is an acclimatisation day and you will sleep at Mawenzi Camp for a second night.

Today is a long but gradual climb heading West too Kibo Camp through the lunar desert to Saddle which is formed between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The trail is dry and barren but provides spectacular views of Kibo and you can appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is and from now, all eyes are on the summit.

Tonight you will enjoy an early dinner and retire to your tent where you will prepare for your hike to the summit later tonight. At 11:30pm you will be woken with tea or coffee and a snack before making your way into the night.

Starting Point: Mawenzi Tarn Camp 4,303m

End Point: Kibo Camp 4,730m

Walking Time: 8-10 Hours approx.

Overnight – Kibo Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Mount Kilimanjaro, Rongai Route 

You will continue your trek into the early hours of the morning across a rocky path to Meyer Cave at 5,150m. The trail then zigzags and is a steep climb to Gilman’s Point which is located on the Crater rim in time to watch the sun rise from the Roof of Africa, a once in a lifetime experience. Here you will rest and take in the magnificent beauty around you. You will continue the snow covered trail to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895m. Temperatures near the summit can range from -23 degrees Celsius in the morning to just below freezing during the night. Upon arrival at the summit you will have the opportunity for a short rest and celebrate a successful climb. Note: faster climbers will see the sun rise from the summit at Uhuru Peak.

From the summit you will now make your descent to Kibo which is surprisingly fast. Here you will enjoy some well-deserved rest before continuing your descent to Horombo Camp where you will spend your final night on the mountain.

Starting Point: Kibo Camp 4,730m

Via: Uhuru Point 5,895m

End Point: Horombo Camp 3,720

Walking Time: 11-16 Hours approx.

Overnight – Horombo Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro 

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Mount Kilimanjaro, Rongai Route

After a leisurely breakfast you will continue your descent through the lush forest to the Marangu Gate where successful climbers receive their summit certificate. Your vehicle will be waiting for you and will drive you to Arusha where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Starting Point: Horombo Camp 3,720

End Point:  Marangu Gate 1,870m

Walking Time: 5-7 Hours approx.

Overnight – Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha     

Meals – Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8: Arusha

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals – Breakfast