Delivering an unforgettable experience!
8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing via Rongai Route
Ever stood on the top floor of skyscraper and thought, “Bah, this ain’t so tall”? Then you might just be Kilimanjaro material.
Join us as we walk in the bootprints of famed explorers and mountaineers on our way to the top of Africa’s tallest peak, hiking through lush rainforests and alpine deserts, across glaciers by day and sleeping closer to the stars than you ever dreamed possible by night. Over 1,500 trekkers make the ascent with us each year, and we’d love to help you to the top, too.
Book Now Ask a QuestionDay 1 | Day 1: Nairobi – Oloitokitok by roadWe journey south through Kenya to Kibo Slopes cottages, a base camp near the border with Tanzania. The drive takes 4 hours, on the way we invariably spot zebra, giraffe and gazelle out on the plains. |
Day 2 | Day 2: Rongai Gate (1950m) – 1st Caves camp (2600m)After morning clearance with the Kenyan customs, we transfer to the Rongai trail head (1950m) in Nale Moru village of Tanzania, where our mountain crew will be waiting. We commence our climb on a small winding path that crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a virgin, natural rain forest where colobus monkeys are common, before emerging to the lower moorland zone. Overnight camp at 1st Caves (2600m). Water can be found just down the trail below First Cave. |
Day 3 | Day 3The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although you need to wander downhill to fetch some. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves). |
Day 4 | Day 4A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area. |
Day 5 | Day 5Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp. |
Day 6 | Day 6We are rise around 2330hrs, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions. |
Day 7 | Day 7After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. You now drive to Arusha for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight in Impala hotel or similar. |
Day 8 | DayArusha – Nairobi by road.(250kms)After breakfast we commence our journey back into Nairobi via Namanga and arrive in the afternoon hours.. |
