The Rongai route ascends Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain and is normally accessed from Kenyan through the Loitokitok boarder crossing into Tanzania. It offers a unique and quality traverse of Kilimanjaro, approaching the peak by a remote track on the Kenyan side of the massif and reaching the summit (5896m) via the high altitude desert of the “Saddle” then descending on the Tanzania side through the Mweka trail. This route retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness and offers a totally different perspective of Kilimanjaro. Rongai Route is also apparently the easiest Mount Kilimanjaro trekking option with fairly gentle gradients and shorter daily trekking phases.
Kilimanjaro trek via Rongai Route (7 Days / 6 nights)
DAY 1: Nairobi – Oloitokitok BORDER
We 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: Rongai Gate (1950m) – 1st Caves camp (2600m)
Hiking time: 5h
Distance: Approximately 8 kms
Habitat: Montane Forest
Ascent: +650m
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: 1st Cave (2600m) – Kikelewa Cave (3600m)
Hiking time: 6 – 7h
Distance: Approximately 10 kms
Habitat: Moorlands
Ascent: +1000m.
The 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: Kikelewa Cave (3600) – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m)
Hiking time: 3 – 4h
Distance: Approximately 8 kms
Habitat: Moorlands
Ascent: +730m.
A 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: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) – Kibo hut (4700m)
Hiking time: 4 – 5h
Distance: Approximately 8 kms
Habitat: Alpine desert
Ascent: +370m.
Continue 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: (Summit Attempt) Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 8h to Uhuru, 6h to Horombo
Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit
Distance: Approximately 6 kms ascent, 21 kms descent
Ascent: 1195m. Descent: 2175m
We are rise around 2330, 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. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. 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: Horombo hut (at 3720m) to Marangu Gate (at 1980m)
Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 27 kms
Descent: -1740m
After 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: Arusha – Nairobi by road.(250kms)
After breakfast we commence our journey back into Nairobi via Namanga and arrive in the afternoon hours.
Lemosho Route – (7 Days / 6 Nights)
The seven day Lemosho variation is preferred over the six day option because it breaks up day two into two days, providing better acclimatization and a more gradual ascent. On the seven day route, we walk from Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1 on day two, a reasonable altitude gain of 2,000 feet. Then on day three, we continue from Shira Camp 2 to the little used Moir Hut, at 13,800 feet. Overall the exposure to this altitude will help prepare the body for higher altitudes coming on the following days.
However, the trek from Barranco to Barafu, followed by the summit day are unchanged from the six day Lemosho variation. This schedule is still very tough, though the extra day on the mountain on the seven day route will help climbers deal with the exhausting itinerary better than those who opted for the six day route.
DAY 1: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp
Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time:3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
DAY 2: Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1
Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
DAY 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut
Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibos glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
DAY 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
DAY 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
DAY 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 7: Mweka Camp to Moshi
Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi
Machame Route – (6 days / 5 nights)
Day 1: Nairobi-Moshi
Leave Nairobi at 8:00am via shuttle to Moshi,arrive Moshi after 6/7hrs drive,check in to your hotel where you will have dinner and overnight after diner.After dinner you will get briefing about the next day programme
Day 2: Moshi Machame Camp
After breakfast, the vehicle will transfer you to the start of Machame route’you will spend the day walking through a lush rainforest on Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. This is generally a moderate day although poor weather can make it more demanding. Your first night camp on Kilimanjaro is about 3,000m above sea level(this is Machame camp)
Hike time : 7hrs, Hike distance 10kms
Day 3: Machame camp-Shira Camp
After an early morning breakfast,you hed across a stream valley before a 3/4hrs climb up a steep ridge.You then descend into a river gorge before climbing a more gentle slope to the moorland on the Shira plateau,a fascinating area of Kilimanjaro.
Your night will be spent at Shira camp.
Camp altitude: 3,850m
Max.altitude :3,900m
Hike time: 7hrs
Hike distance: 8kms
Day 4: SHira camp-Baranco Camp.
During this day,you have to walk 6-7hrs where you have the chance to enjoytypical Kilimanjaro vegetation such as senecio,Lobelia and Hilichrysum as well as Larva tower and distinct glaciers if weather is clear.Although you are at 4600m you then descend to camp at a lower level(excellent for your acclimatization and to increase your chances of success.At the path, you should be able to see Kilimanjaro Kibo peak.overnight to be spent at Barranco valley 3,950m.
Camp altitude: 3,950m
Max.altitude 4,600m
Hike time: 10hrs
Hike distacnce 12kms.
Day 5 Baranco Camp-Barafu Camp
Your route climbs the Barranco wall before leading a scree and ridge into Karanga valley,at this stage you are at 4,100m where you will have hot lunch,as you enjoy specutacular views of Kilimanjaro Westerb Breach,after lunch,you will climb slowly up a Morain ridge taking the views of the southern glacier and glacial valleys threading way down the Mountain.The final section to Barafu camp 4,600m is climbed slowly as it’s quite steep.
Arriving at the camp around 4:00pm,give you time to relax and prepare for the summit day to follow.After early dinner,you will have final briefing then top sleep.
Camp altitude 4,600m
Hike time:6hrs
Hike distance 8kms
Day 6: Barafu Camp-Uhuru Peak
You are set out towad summits of Kilimanjaro in the early hours of the morning, with guides alongside with you. This final ascent across the scree is taken very slowly but aim in steady progression towards the top,you pass between the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers before arriving at Stella point and Kilimanjaro Uhuru peak 5,895m.If you made a good time despite the reduction of oxygen this far above sea level,you may be in time to watch sunrise before you start your descends
A long day follows as your descend camp is pitched at Mweka at 3,100m
.
Camp altitude : 3,100m
Max. Altitude ; 5,895m
Hike time: 16hrs
Hike distance 14kms
Day 7: Mweka camp – Moshi Town
Your final descent is through the mountain lower heath section and rainforest,you find yourself to the National park gate,you will then be tranfered to Moshi town after signing out and acquiring a certificate of achievement,where you will have hot-shower after which you will decide the nature of your own Kilimanjaro celebration-splash in pool,long hot-shower or drinks .Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Max. Altitude :3,100m
Hike time: 4hrs
Hike distance 9kms
DY 8 After pre-dawn breakfast in the hotel,you will be driven to the bus station /Airport depending on your mode of transport back to your destiny .
Umbwe Route (6 DAYS/5 NIGHTS)
DAY 1 Umbwe gate (1614m) to Umbwe cave camp (2850m),
Hiking time: 6 Hours
Distance:Approximately 10.3km
Habitat: Forest (montane)
After brteakfast you will be driven to the Machame gate where registration formalities will be completed. From the Machame gate you will be transferred to the Umbwe Gate(1641m),passing through villages with coffee and banana plantations.The air is thick with moisture and the path is usually muddy. The route intially follows a forestry track winding up through the natural rain forest.It then narrows and steepens to climb the ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers,with huge trees surrounding you.The path offers some spectacular views of deep gorges and if you are lucky,glimpses of Kilimanjaro towering above you in the distance. The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth.Enjoy dinner and overnight at the Umbwe cave camp(2850m).
DAY 2 Umbwe cave camp(2850m) to Barranco camp(3985m)
Hiking time: 6hrs
Distance: Approximately 6.3 Km
Habitat: Moorland
Shortly after leaving the camp the forest starts thinning and is replaced by rockier terrain,sparser undergrowth and straggly,moss-covered trees.The path continues along a narrow,but spectacular ridge.As you gain high altitude,catch glimpse of Kilimanjaro rising majestically ahead of you-etched against the blue sky.The path flattens as you approach Barranco Valley.
From the Umbwe ridge the rout descends slightly to the Barranco camp.The camp is situated in the valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall,which should provide you with memorable sunset while your dinner is being prepared.
DAY 3 Barranco camp(3985m) to Karanga camp(4040m)
Hiking time: 6 Hrs
Distance; Approximately 6Km
Habitat: moorland/semi desert
After spending a night at the great Barranco wall(a very imposing sight at first),you make your way up this Awesome looking abstacle,which in the end normally turns out to be easier than anticipated .Topping out just below the Heim Glacier,you will now appriciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is.The rout then heads down through the Karanga Valleys,and then joins up with the Mweka route.This is the preferred rout down from summit, so remember it.The last water stop on the rout is the Karanga Valley,Enjoy dinner and overnight at the Karanga camp.
DAY 4 Karanga camp(4040m) to Barafu camp (4681M)
Hiking time: 4Hrs
Distance: Approximately 3.4 Km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Breakfast at Karanga camp after breakfast turn left up the ridge and route ascends 640m toward Barafu camp. Barafu is the swahili word for “ice“ and it is a bleak and inhospitable camping area to spend the night.
Totally exposed to the ever-present gales,the tents are pitched on a narrow ,stony,and dangerous ridge.Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents.The summit is now a further 1214m higher and you will commence with your final ascent attempt ,the same night. Prepare your equipment,hiking poles and thermal clothing for your summit attempt.This should include the replacement of your headlamp and cameras batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well.To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask.Go to bed as early as possible and try to get some precious rest and sleep.
DAY 5 Summit attempt Barafu camp(4681m) to Uhuru peak(5895m) to Mweka(3090m)
Hiking time: 7 to 8Hours to reach Uhuru peak,6 to 8 hours to descend to Mweka camp
Distance: Approximately 4.5km ascent and 10.8km descent
Habitat: stone scree and ice-capped summit.
You will get up around 23h30,and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night .you will head in anorth-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards stella point on the crater rim.For many climbers the 6-hour walk to stella point is mentally and physically the most the most challenging on the route.At stella point (5739m) you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).From stella point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru peak.The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions.Do not stop here for too long,as it will be extremely difficult to get going again due to cold and fatigue.Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your life!
The walk back to Barafu from the summit,takes about 3 hours.Here you will have a well earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear,before heading down to Mweka hut (3090m).The route is not difficult and will take youndown the rock and the scree path into the moorland and eventualy into the forest.The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.dinner and washing water will be prepared.
DAY 6 Mweka camp(3090m) to Mweka Gate(1641m)
Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours
Habitat: forest
Distance: Approximately 8.5 Km
After an early and well deserved breakfast,it is a short 4 to 6 hours and scenic hike back to the park gate.some hikers do experience knee problems which could make the descend longer than planned.It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. visit the tips page for more information.At Mweka gate you sign your name and details in the register.This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates.Those climbers who reached stella point (5739m)are issued green certificates and those reached Uhuru peak(5895m) receive golden certificates. From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy 3 km (1hour)hike. In the Mweka village you will be served a delicious hot lunch! After lunch you will drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations.
Marangu route (6 days / 5 Nights)
Day 1 Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara Hut (2700m)
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: Approximately 12 kilometers
Habitat: Montane forest
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and driven to the Marangu Gate (1980m). At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent into the rain forest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on the look out for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! After 3-4 hours of ascending, you will reach the Mandara Hut (2700m). Each hut has 6-8 sleeping bunks (sleeps 60 hikers total) with solar generated lighting. Next to the central hut there are flush toilets. The porters, who arrive at the campsite before the clients, will boil water for drinking and washing. The chef will prepare a snack then dinner for the clients. At nighttime, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared!
Day 2 Mandara Hut (2700m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat: Moorland
Following breakfast, hikers will begin their ascent out of the rain-forest and into the heathen moorland. Hikers will pass the Maundi Crater and are able to climb up to its rim for a spectacular view of the Kibo Crater. In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. After 6 hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut (3720m). Horombo Hut sleeps 120 hikers and is located on a small plateau. Similar to the first night, the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this site.
Day 3 Horombo Hut (3720m) – Acclimatization day
At Horombo Hut, you will spend the day allowing your body to acclimate to high altitude. You will have the option of doing a day hike to Mawenzi Hut (4600m) for further acclimatization with your guide. Breakfast and dinner will be at the hut and lunch will either be packed or at the hut depending on your preference for the day.
Day 4 Horombo Hut (3720m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine desert
Following an early morning breakfast, you will continue your ascent into the alpine desert habitat. Hikers have the option of 2 trails that lead to Kibo Hut (4700m). The upper route (located to the right of the fork) is the same trail used the previous day for the day hike to Mawenzi Hut. The lower route (located to the left of the fork) is the more popular route because it is a shorter hiking distance (1 hour shorter).
Kibo Hut is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!
Day 5 Summit Attempt: Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru and 6 hours to Horombo
Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers ascent and 21 kilometers descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment!