8 Days Climb Mount Kilimanjaro - Rongai Route - 79 km Tour

Your morning hike today involves a steady ascent to the Second Cave Camp, nestled in the moorland zone. As you ascend, you'll be greeted by superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields adorning the crater rim. The journey covers a distance of approximately 5 kilometers and typically takes between 3 to 4 hours. Nourishing meals are provided throughout the day to keep you energized and ready for your adventure.
SUMMARY

Starting Point: Simba Camp (2625m)
Destination: 2nd Cave Camp (3480m)
Distance Covered: 5km / 3.1mi
Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Today's trek takes us from Simba Camp, situated at 2626 meters, as we ascend toward Kibo. Our lunch stop is at First Caves, located at 3482 meters, and covers a distance of approximately 5.8 kilometers. After refueling, we continue our journey until we reach the elevations of Kikelewa Camp, around 3679 meters. As we progress, the vistas begin to expand, and you'll truly feel the grandeur of this immense mountain. There's a readily accessible water source from a visible stream below the cave, although you might need to explore a bit downhill to find a pool or two. Finally, you'll savor dinner and spend the night at Kikelewa Camp.

Starting Point: Simba Camp (2626m)
Destination: Kikelewa Camp (3679m)
Distance Covered:** Approximately 11.8 km
Approximate Duration:** 6 – 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On this day, you'll embark on a relatively short but steep ascent up grassy slopes that promise magnificent views of this pristine wilderness. The vegetation zone will gradually recede as you approach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, which is wonderfully positioned beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. This stage covers a distance of about 8 kilometers and typically takes 4 to 5 hours to complete. Once you arrive, you'll spend the afternoon acclimatizing and have the opportunity to explore this captivating area.

Starting Point: Kikelewa Cave (3679m)
Destination: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4303m)
Distance Covered: 8km / 5mi
Approximate Duration:** 4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Following breakfast, your journey continues as you head west, maintaining your ascent on the east side of Kibo. This stage involves crossing the saddle that lies between Mawenzi and Kibo, a trek that typically takes 4 to 5 hours to complete, culminating at Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is dedicated to rest and preparation for the upcoming final ascent. This ascent is scheduled to commence around midnight, so you'll need a good rest at Kibo Hut to prepare for this challenging endeavor. Your overnight stay will be at Kibo Hut.

Starting Point: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4303m)
Destination: Kibo Hut (4730m)
Distance Covered: 8km / 5mi
Approximate Duration: 5 – 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Today is the ultimate test of your determination and physical endurance. You'll awaken around 23:20 for a midnight start, and after a light meal of tea and biscuits, you'll embark on the most challenging leg of the journey. The path leads you into the darkness, and the going gets tough.

The initial segment of the trail takes you along a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), providing a welcome resting spot. From there, the path continues to zigzag its way up to Gillman’s Point (5,681m), situated on the crater rim. This portion is incredibly steep and features a rocky scree terrain, demanding immense physical and mental effort. It's perhaps the most demanding part of the entire route. This is the time for the "Kili shuffle" – a slow, methodical pace. From Gillman's Point, you will typically encounter snow all the way to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.
The amount of time you can spend at the summit, capturing photographs, will depend on the prevailing weather conditions. Afterward, you'll embark on the 3-hour descent back to Kibo Hut. Following a brief rest at Kibo Hut, you'll gather the gear you left behind for the ascent and begin your descent to Horombo Hut, which will take approximately 3 hours. The return journey to Horombo Hut might seem surprisingly swift compared to the ascent. You will be walking for a total of around 14 hours on this day, so be prepared for an incredibly demanding and fulfilling day.

Later in the evening, you'll savor your final dinner (with soft drinks and beer available for purchase at the camp office) on the mountain. Afterward, you'll enjoy a well-earned night's sleep, filled with memories and profound emotions.
SUMMARY

Starting Point:** Kibo Hut (4730m)
Destination:** Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo Hut (3705m)
Distance Covered:** Approximately 12 – 15 hours
Approximate Duration:** 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

After breakfast, you'll commence your descent, a journey lasting about 6 hours. The trail will take you past Mandara Hut as you make your way down to the Marangu Gate. It is highly recommended not to distribute tips to your porters until you and all your gear have safely reached the gate.
Upon arrival at the Marangu Gate, you'll be required to sign your name and details in a register. This is also the place where successful climbers are awarded their summit certificates. Climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) will receive green certificates, while those who conquered Uhuru Peak (5895m) will be honored with gold certificates.

With your certificates as a testament to your remarkable achievement, you'll embark on the drive back to Moshi, where a long-overdue hot shower, a hearty dinner, and a comfortable bed await. It's a time for well-deserved celebrations and reflection on your incredible journey.

SUMMARY

Starting Point: Horombo Hut (3705m)
Destination: Marangu Gate (1860m)
Distance Covered: Approximately 29 km
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Your last day provides a well-deserved opportunity to relax after the trek before your journey home. Depending on your flight schedule, you may choose to explore the charming town of Moshi and perhaps acquire some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
If you're eager to extend your Tanzanian exploration, we offer a range of add-ons, including safaris and trips to Zanzibar, allowing you to continue your adventure in this captivating country.
Meals: Breakfast Included