Rongai Route 6 Days – Kilimanjaro Trek

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: 3.3 km / 2 mi
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Semi Desert
• Elevation: 3487m/11,440ft to 3936m/12,913ft
• Altitude Gained: 449m

After breakfast and packing, continue your steady ascent, entering the semi-desert terrain. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Eastern ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness.

• Distance: 6.7 km / 4.2 mi
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 4750m/15,580ft
• Altitude Gained: 814m

Depart early from Third Cave and trek into the Alpine Desert terrain. The day’s hike will take you just below the Kibo crater wall to Kibo Huts. At this point, you will merge with the Marangu Route, which you will use to hike to the summit. Prepare your clothing and equipment before going to bed by 7 PM to catch a few hours of rest before your summit attempt.

• 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 marks the end of Rongai Route 6 Days – Kilimanjaro Trek