Rongai Route 7 Days – Kilimanjaro Trekking

Welcome to your adventure with Williamson Adventures! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our friendly representative will be there to greet you. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi, which is situated at an elevation of 890m/2,920ft.

Once settled in, you’ll meet with your guide for a comprehensive climb briefing. This session will cover the upcoming trek, ensuring you are well-prepared and informed. After the briefing, we’ll conduct an equipment check to make sure you have everything needed for a successful and safe climb. Any missing gear can be rented or purchased at our Store.

The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Moshi, relax, and prepare for the adventure ahead. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel, where you can rest and acclimate to the local climate.

• Distance: 7 km / 5 mi
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
• Altitude Gained: 638m

Depart from Moshi and drive for 4-5 hours through coffee plantations and the village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. After permits are issued, begin your trek through beautiful wooded scenery and winding trails. Your guide will provide insights into the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. Simba Camp, near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone, offers spectacular views of the Kenyan plains.

• Distance: 5.8 km / 3.6 mi
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft
• Altitude Gained: 852m

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, continue along the moorland terrain on a consistently ascending path. You’ll enjoy terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland become thinner as you approach the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.

• Distance: 5.95 km / 3.7 mi
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Habitat: Semi Desert
• Elevation: 3487m/11,440ft to 3675m/12,057ft
• Altitude Gained: 188m

After breakfast and packing, continue the steady ascent across the moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. This relatively short hike brings you closer to the Eastern ice fields. Pay attention to your body and inform your guide of any signs of altitude sickness.

• Distance: 3.75 km / 2.3 mi
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Semi Desert
• Elevation: 3675m/12,057ft to 4302m/14,114ft
• Altitude Gained: 627m

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes rewards you with superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon is free to rest or explore the surrounding area for acclimatization.

• Distance: 8.9 km / 5 mi
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 4714m/15,466ft
• Altitude Gained: 412m

Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Huts at the base of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent on summit night.

• Distance Up: 4 km / 2.5 mi
• Duration Up: 5-7 hours
• Distance Down: 15.75 km / 9.8 mi
• Duration Down: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit
• Elevation Up: 4750m/15,580ft to 5895m/19,341ft
• Altitude Gained: 1145m
• Descent to: 3721m/12,208ft
• Altitude Lost: 2174m

Start early, between midnight and 2 a.m., for the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. Ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. You’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise during a short rest here. The remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak may involve snow. After celebrations and photos at the summit, begin your steep descent to Horombo Hut, stopping at Kibo Hut for lunch and a brief rest. We recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. Overnight at Horombo Hut.

• Distance: 20 km / 12.5 mi
• Duration: 6-7 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft
• Altitude Lost: 1816m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. Continue the descent, stopping at Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters as you will be leaving them here. Return to Marangu Gate to receive your summit certificates. The terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles. A vehicle will drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a well-deserved hot shower, dinner, and this mark the end of Rongai Route 7 Days – Kilimanjaro Trek