7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro on Rongai Route

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, you will be picked from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today you will spend time having a pre-trek briefing. The team will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Enjoy the drive through charming rural villages before you stop in Nale Moru to complete some registration papers. When you hit the trail it will be a wide and pleasant slope through farm fields and into the pine forest teeming with wildlife. You’ll be stopping at Simba Camp which sits at the edge of the trees and has gorgeous views of the vast plains in Kenya.

The hike this morning will continue up through the moorland, allowing open views as you trek through the heather. You’ll have a beautiful view of Kibo and the eastern ice fields from Second Cave Camp.

There are a few different paths from here, so you may find different hikers splitting off in different directions. You’ll be taking the small path towards Mawenzi as you continue hiking towards Kikelewa Camp.

This morning’s path leads you by gorgeous views of Kibo as you hike through the last verdant section of your path. You’ll have the afternoon free to explore the area at the base of Mawenzi or to relax and revel in the majestic views.

The rocky landscape that stretches between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks is known as the “saddle.” You’ll enjoy breathtaking views as you cross this space and end your day at the foot of Kibo. You’ll notice that the solitude of your route has disappeared as you arrive at the much busier Kibo Hut Camp.
Head to bed early as you’ll be back on the trail around midnight for your big day!

It will be hard to leave your warm tent for the cold, dark trail around midnight. The low temperature and lack of oxygen will make the hike through heavy scree to Gilman’s Point a challenge. As the dawn breaks it will be time for you to begin your final climb to the summit. After some celebrating and photos of your accomplishment and the epic views from the top, you’ll have to start your descent quite quickly.

It’s a long trek down to a more comfortable altitude where you can spend the night. Horombo Hut is a lively spot to spend your final night on the mountain.

Your trail down will be on the southern Marangu Route. You’ll notice a big difference from your climb on the first day, as you’ll notice a lot more people and a lot more mud! There’s a good chance you’ll see monkeys and many types of birds. Collect your summit certificate at Marangu Gate before you meet your driver for the trip back to Moshi.