Rongai Route 5 Days itinerary

Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,930m / 12,983ft)
Distance: 15 km, 4–5 hours hiking, 430m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, the trail continues across gentle slopes and open terrain. You may notice other groups heading in different directions as several paths branch out here. Enjoy the peaceful wilderness and stunning views as you ascend steadily towards Third Cave Camp.

At nearly 4,000m, this is an ideal day to focus on hydration and slow, steady movement to help your body adjust to the altitude.

Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (4,703m / 15,430ft)
Distance: 5 km, 3–4 hours hiking, 870m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s route leads you across the stark beauty of the alpine desert towards Kibo Hut, sitting at the base of Kibo’s majestic crater wall. The landscape is rocky and quiet a true high-altitude wilderness.

You’ll arrive in time for an early dinner, as tomorrow begins before dawn. Get as much rest as possible — the summit awaits!

Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,720m / 12,303ft)
Distance: 21 km, 12–16 hours total, 1,195m ascent, 2,175m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your summit push begins around midnight. Bundle up in your warm layers and switch on your headlamp as you set out into the darkness. The climb to Gilman’s Point is demanding, with loose scree and possibly snow underfoot.

As dawn breaks, you’ll witness one of nature’s most breathtaking sights sunrise over Africa from high on Kilimanjaro. With renewed energy, you’ll make your final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point on the continent.

After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, begin your descent back down to Horombo Camp, where you’ll rest for the night.

Overnight Location: Hotel in Moshi (included)
Distance: 20 km, 4–5 hours hiking, 2,000m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

A long last day, which will no doubt feel like a walk in the park after yesterday’s efforts. Make sure to enjoy this final day of the mountain… that beer will still be cold, and the shower still hot when you get down! If you are not in a rush, your guide can take you down via the Marangu ‘Nature Trail’ – a much less used path (be prepared to hop over a few fallen trees) before reaching a beautiful water fall.
Enjoy time monkey and bird-spotting in the forest before emerging out at Marangu Gate where you will sign out of the National Park.

There is a great little souvenir spot here, with maps, books and postcards to buy (handy tools when bragging to all your friends back home!). From the gate, our car will pick you up and transfer you back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest (massages available on request)!