8 Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Ascent

Moshi, Tanzania

Your adventure begins as you arrive at any time in Moshi, Tanzania. This day is dedicated to settling in and preparing for the epic journey ahead.

Accommodation: Stella Maris Lodge or similar
Included Highlights: Welcome Meeting on Arrival Day

Moshi/Simba Camp, Tanzania

Today, you begin your ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, tackling the less-visited northern slopes and traversing varied ecosystems. A comfortable private vehicle will transport you from Moshi to Nalemoru Gate, a scenic 3-4 hour drive.

From Nalemoru Gate (1950m / 6397 ft), you’ll embark on your first hike. Follow a small path through lush farmland, then delve into the pine forest within the montane forest habitat, enjoying a gentle but consistent incline. Keep a keen eye out for the unique Colobus monkeys, easily recognizable by their long white hair.

Your first night on the mountain will be spent camping at Simba Camp (2750m / 87632ft), located at the edge of the moorland zone. Here, the forest thins, rewarding you with a great, wide view of the vast plains of Kenya.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Simba Campsite or similar
Included Highlights: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Route: Moshi – Nalemoru Gate– Simba Camp
Distance: 8km
Travel Time: 3 – 4 hours

Simba Camp – Kikelelwa Camp, Tanzania

Continue your ascent today, moving higher into Kilimanjaro’s unique landscapes and enjoying superb views of the eastern ice fields. Depart from Simba Camp for a steady ascent of approximately 10km (6mi) to Kikelelwa Camp, expected to take 5-6 hours.

Around lunchtime, you’ll reach the Second Cave, offering your first spectacular views of Kibo and its impressive Eastern ice fields.
Afternoon Hike: Post-lunch, trek for 3-5 hours across the open moorland, venturing off the main trail as you head towards the majestic peaks of Mawenzi.
Destination: You’ll set up camp for the night in the sheltered valley of Kikelelwa Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp or similar
Included Highlights: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Route: Simba Camp – Kikelelwa Camp
Distance: 10 km
Travel Time: ± 5 – 6 hours

Kikelelwa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Camp, Tanzania

Today’s trek involves a challenging but rewarding ascent through grassy slopes, leading you to an area with truly majestic views. Climb the steep trail towards Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4303m / 14115 ft), navigating through wilderness and semi-desert habitats over 3km, taking 3-4 hours.

Despite the challenge, make sure to turn around and admire the superb panoramic views behind you. You’ll exit the main vegetation zone shortly before reaching camp in the afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon is dedicated to rest and exploration around the camp, crucial for aiding your acclimatization to the increasing altitude.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp or similar
Included Highlights: Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Route: Kikelelwa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Distance: 3 km
Travel Time: ± 3 – 4 hours

Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Kibo Camp

Prepare for a unique experience as you hike slowly across the famous “saddle” – a stark, lunar desert landscape nestled between the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This 8 – 9km trek takes approximately 5 – 6 hours, leading you to Kibo Huts Camp (4700m / 15486 ft), situated at the very bottom of the imposing Kibo crater wall.

The rest of your day will be spent resting and conserving energy. An early night is essential as you prepare for the demanding final ascent to the summit, which begins in the very early hours of the next day. Kibo Camp is a high-altitude site with no water facilities. Your dedicated porters will carry all necessary water for cooking, bathing, and drinking to the camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp or similar
Included Highlights: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Huts Camp
Route: Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Kibo Huts
Distance: ± 8 – 9 km
Travel Time: ± 5 – 6 hours

Kibo Camp – Horombo Camp, Tanzania

This is the most anticipated day of your journey: the summit attempt! You’ll embark on a night hike to Uhuru Peak, witness an incredible sunrise, and then begin your descent. Your final and most challenging climb begins around 12:00 AM by torchlight. You’ll move slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree. Reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point 5685m / 18651 ft), where you’ll pause to enjoy a spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi.

Please Note: To Uhuru Peak (Optional): If you’re still feeling strong, you can make the additional two-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5895m / 19340 ft), the true summit, passing near dramatic glaciers and ice cliffs.

After reaching the summit (or Gillman’s Point), you’ll descend surprisingly fast back to Kibo (4720m / 15486 ft). After refreshments at Kibo, continue your descent to Horombo Huts Camp (3720m / 12204 ft). This 16km descent from Uhuru to Horombo Huts typically takes 4-5 hours.
Celebration: Take a moment to celebrate your incredible achievement and enjoy a well-deserved rest during your last night on the mountain.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Camp or similar
Included Highlights: Kibo Huts Camp to Summit, Summit to Horombo Huts Camp
Route: Kibo Huts – Uhuru– Horombo Huts
Distance: ± 6 km (Kibo Huts – Uhuru), ± 16km (Uhuru – Horombo Huts)
Travel Time: ± 6 – 8 hours (Kibo Huts – Uhuru), ± 4 – 5 hours (Uhuru – Horombo Huts)

Horombo Camp – Marangu, Tanzania

Continue your descent through the mountain’s lower, forested slopes, returning to Moshi for a well-deserved celebration and a unique cultural exchange. Your journey down continues from Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate (1879m), taking 5 – 6 hours and covering 20km. You’ll pass through moorland to Mandara Hut (2770m) and then through lovely lush forest on a good path.

Hikers who successfully reached Uhuru Peak will receive a well-earned summit certificate. A private vehicle will transfer you from Marangu Gate back to your hotel in Moshi, a short 45-minute drive. Upon arrival, you’ll have ample time to relax, take a refreshing shower, and celebrate your achievement with a drink. Before dinner, you’ll be welcomed and congratulated by the incredible mamas of the Moshi Women’s Cooperative. The cooperative provides free adult business education for women in Moshi, offering a space for them to practice skills and earn income. The mamas will present you with a gift and a certificate to commemorate your efforts on Kilimanjaro. You’ll have the opportunity to shop for souvenirs and engage with the women, learning about their lives and how the project has positively impacted their future.

Indulge in a relaxing 30-minute Aromatherapy Massage from Lalasalama Spa & Beauty, which is also associated with the Moshi Women’s Cooperative, offering a perfect way to revive sore muscles after your trek. (Optional)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Stella Maris Lodge or similar
Included Highlights: Horombo Huts Camp to Marangu Gate, Moshi Women’s Cooperative Visit
Optional Activities: Lalasalama Spa & Beauty Aromatherapy Massage
Route: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Moshi
Distance: ± 65 km
Travel Time: ± 5 – 6 hours

Moshi, Tanzania

Your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure officially concludes today. You are free to depart at any time, carrying with you memories of an extraordinary accomplishment.

Meals: Breakfast