Day 1: Rongai Gate to First Cave Camp 

Elevation: 1800m to 2600m

After an early breakfast in Arusha, drive to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registering at the gate, begin your climb to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. During the first day, hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first campsite. Rongai ascends via the less forested northern side of the mountain.

Rongai Route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro because of the long drive to the gate. The Rongai trail is thought to have the best chance of viewing wildlife.

Day 2: First Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp 

Elevation: 2600m to 3600m

In day two hiking through Kilimanjaro’s moorland. The Rongai route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter hiking times. During this day, view Mawenzi Peak ahead.

Day 3: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp 

Elevation: 3600m to 4330m

This day is an acclimatization day, allowing you to hike in the beginning of the day and rest in the afternoon and evening. The hike is relatively short but steep. The Mawenzi Tarn campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Day four is an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn. We advise hiking a bit higher this day before returning to Mawenzi Tarn in the afternoon.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp 

Elevation: 4330m to 4750m

Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle on this day to arrive at the final campsite. Kibo Camp is situated directly below the Kibo cone, giving you views of your final destination.

Day 6: Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut 

Elevation Gain: 4750m to 5895m 
Elevation Loss: 5895m to 3720m

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point.

The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate 

Elevation Loss: 3720m to 1800m 

After breakfast, we finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Traversing Africa vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Arusha/ Moshi Town.