Rongai Route

Whatever your arrival time at Kilimanjaro International Airport will be, your TmT driver-guide will be waiting for you with a warm welcoming smile. Kick back and relax in your comfortable vehicle as he takes you to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi, Tanzania’s self-styled safari capital. On the way to the hotel, you will get a brief impression of this large, bustling, Safari Hub. Depending on your arrival time, you may have your pre-safari briefing today; if not, it will take place early tomorrow morning.

Meet your guide and support crew at the hotel in the morning for a detailed briefing before driving to Nalemuru Gate (2,020 m), the remote northern entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park. After permit checks and registration, begin your moderate trek through a quiet coniferous forest, steadily gaining altitude as you reach Simba Camp (2,625 m). The camp will be ready with tents and a warm meal prepared by our crew—your first evening in the highlands of Kilimanjaro. Follow altitude precautions carefully tonight, as your body starts acclimatizing to the mountain environment.

Change in Elevation: Nalemuru Gate (2,020 m) to Simba Camp (2,625 m)

• Hiking distance: 8 km
• Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
• Habitat: Rain-forest

Depart Second Cave Camp after breakfast and head toward Kikelewa Camp (3,630 m), enjoying striking views of Kibo Volcano along the way. The trek becomes steeper today, offering a physical challenge as you enter higher terrain and leave most vegetation behind. Once at camp, rest is essential to help your body continue acclimatizing at this new altitude. You’ll be rewarded with stunning scenery and a quiet evening under the stars, preparing you for the climb.

 Change in Elevation: Simba Camp (2,625 m) to Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m)

• Hiking distance: 10 km
• Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
• Habitat: Heath ahead

Acclimatization hike:

Change in Elevation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,310 m) to Destination point en route to Mawenzi Volcano (4,510 m)

• Hiking distance: 2 km
• Hiking time: 1 to 2 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Leave Kikelewa Camp and hike to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,315 m), beautifully located beneath the rugged spires of Mawenzi Volcano. After lunch and a short rest, you’ll take a gentle acclimatization hike gaining 200 meters in elevation before returning to camp. These hikes are essential to boost your body’s adaptation to high altitude and improve your summit success rate. Expect stunning alpine views, a peaceful high-altitude lake, and another important step closer to Uhuru Peak.

Trekking from Kikilewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp: Change in Elevation: Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,310 m)

• Hiking distance: 6 km
• Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Hike from Mawenzi Tarn to School Hut Camp (4,715 m), crossing the desolate, lunar-like terrain of the Saddle between Kilimanjaro’s peaks. The hike is moderate, but pacing and energy conservation are essential, as your summit attempt begins around midnight. Upon arrival, rest, rehydrate, and avoid strenuous activity to help your body prepare for the thin air and extreme altitude. This is your final preparation before taking on the ultimate challenge: the climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) under the stars.

Change in Elevation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,310 m) to School Hut Camp (4,715 m)

• Hiking distance: 9 km
• Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Depart School Hut Camp around midnight for the ultimate summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), accompanied by personal guides who monitor your pace and condition in the extreme altitude. After reaching the summit at sunrise and, optionally, visiting a nearby glacier, begin your descent back to Kibo Camp for a brief rest. You'll then continue down to Horombo Camp (3,720 m), where the air is thicker and the temperatures more forgiving. This is your most demanding but unforgettable day—climbing through the night to stand on the roof of Africa.

Note: Do not forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including all broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails

Change in Elevation: School Hut Camp (4,715 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) then Horombo Camp (3,720 m)

• Hiking distance: 21 km
• Hiking time: 12 to 14 hours
• Habitat: Arctic Condition

After breakfast at Horombo Camp, begin your final descent through rain forest trails to Marangu Gate (1,860 m), where your Kilimanjaro journey officially ends. Celebrate with your team, sign the climbers' guestbook, and receive your well-earned summit certificate at our office. You'll then be transferred back to your hotel for a hot shower, a hearty meal, and a toast with a cold Kilimanjaro beer. It’s the perfect ending to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Change in Elevation: Horombo Camp (3,720 m) to Marangu Gate (1,860 m)

• Hiking distance: 18 km
• Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
• Habitat: Rain-forest

Today will be at leisure to relax or explore, depending on your flight. Your driver transfers you to Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport for your departure flight Back Home or Zanzibar.