7 Days Rongai Route

All trekkers are responsible for organizing their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Upon arrival at JRO, we will arrange a private transfer to your hotel. You will meet your local ZAFS representative either that night or early the next morning, where you will have a full pre-climb briefing to ensure you're fully prepared for your trek.

You will be transferred from your hotel to Marangu Gate for registration, followed by a further transfer to the Rongai trailhead, approximately a 2½-hour drive. Upon arrival, our porters will prepare and pack the necessary supplies and luggage. The trek begins with a gentle ascent through the village of Nale Moru, crossing maize fields and gradually climbing through a pine forest. After approximately 4-5 hours of trekking, you will reach First Cave Camp, located at an altitude of 2,600m. Here, you can rest and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.

The trail continues as you ascend towards Kibo, passing the Second Cave at 3450m before reaching Kikelewa Caves at 3600m. As you progress, the landscape begins to open up, offering breathtaking views that give you a true sense of the immense scale of Kilimanjaro. The moorland vegetation becomes sparser, and the temperatures begin to drop, signaling your ascent into higher, cooler altitudes. At Kikelewa Caves, you’ll have an opportunity to rest and enjoy the stunning scenery, with the vast wilderness of Kilimanjaro stretching out before you.

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes brings you to Mawenzi Tarn at 4330m, offering superb panoramic views and a true sense of the wilderness that surrounds you. As you approach the camp, you’ll leave the vegetation behind and find yourself in a striking landscape beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The camp is situated in a cirque, making it an incredibly scenic and dramatic location. In the afternoon, you'll have free time to rest or explore the area to aid your acclimatization, helping your body adjust to the altitude before the more challenging days ahead.

Spending a full day at Mawenzi Tarn allows for optimal acclimatization, and the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities to explore. With several paths leading up the ridges and towers of Mawenzi, you'll have the chance to experience breathtaking views and discover the stunning, rugged terrain. Our crew will assist in organizing short excursions, providing a chance to stretch your legs, improve your fitness for the upcoming ascent, and adjust to the high altitude while taking in the magnificent scenery. This day will ensure you're well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

The trek across the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ is a unique and otherworldly experience. As you make your way between the towering peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo, the terrain becomes increasingly barren and desolate. Upon reaching Kibo Campsite at 4750m, nestled at the base of Kibo's imposing crater wall, you'll have the opportunity to rest and prepare for the final, demanding ascent the following day. The evening will be spent in quiet anticipation, conserving energy and acclimatizing for the challenging summit push that awaits you under the stars.

The final ascent begins at 23:30, and after a light refreshment of tea and biscuits, you’ll set out under the dark sky towards your goal. The rocky path to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m) marks the beginning of a challenging section. From there, you'll navigate a steep zigzag path up to Gilman’s Point (5681m) on the crater rim. This part of the climb, filled with loose scree and steep slopes, is grueling but rewarding as you edge closer to the summit. As you continue towards Uhuru Peak (5895m), snow may greet you, adding an extra layer of difficulty to this final stretch. Once at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and the honor of standing at Africa’s highest point. However, due to the harsh weather conditions, you’ll only have a brief time to savor the moment before beginning your descent. The journey back to Kibo Campsite provides a much-needed rest before continuing on to Horombo Hut for the night, where you'll celebrate your accomplishment with a final dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved rest.

After a hearty breakfast, we begin our descent, retracing our steps past Mandara Hut and continuing down towards the Marangu Gate. Once at the gate, we will collect your summit certificates as a reminder of your incredible achievement. A vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel, where a refreshing shower and celebration await you. This marks the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure, and you’ll leave with memories of an unforgettable journey.

After a restful night, we will bid you farewell. If you’ve arranged for airport transfers or have planned a safari or Zanzibar trip with us, we will collect you in the morning to begin your onward journey. Wishing you safe travels and wonderful adventures ahead!