9 Days Luxury Kilimanjaro Trek via Rongai Route

Your adventure begins the moment you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where your trek team will greet you and transfer you to your comfortable base in Moshi, located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The journey to your hotel, Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, takes about 45 minutes, offering a beautiful introduction to Tanzania’s landscapes. Upon arrival, you’ll check in, relax, and prepare for the trek. Dinner will be served in the hotel’s restaurant, featuring nutritious and hearty local Tanzanian dishes, ensuring you have the energy needed for tomorrow’s activities.

Elevation: 1,950 m / 6,398 ft (Rongai Gate) to 2,600 m / 8,530 ft (Simba Camp) 

Distance: 8 km / 5 miles 

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours 

Habitat: Rainforest 

After a hearty breakfast, your journey to the Rongai Gate begins, where you’ll officially start your climb. The 2-hour drive through the scenic countryside will lead you to the northern entrance of Mount Kilimanjaro, where the Rongai Route begins. As you embark on the trek, you’ll immediately step into a pristine rainforest, filled with tall trees, exotic bird species, and perhaps even monkeys playing in the trees. By the time you reach Simba Camp, the camp is nestled beneath towering trees, with a peaceful ambiance that allows you to settle in and relax. Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by your expert team of chefs and rest for the night in the comfort of your tent. 

Private Toilets: Available at the campsite 

Mess Tent: Yes 

Beds: Provided with mats and sleeping bags 

Wash Tent: Available for personal hygiene 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch,

Elevation: 2,600 m / 8,530 ft to 3,450 m / 11,319 ft 

Distance: 7 km / 4.5 miles 

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours 

Habitat: Montane Forest, Moorland 

Today’s trail takes you from the lush rainforest into the majestic moorland. The gentle climb offers stunning views of the mountain's northern slopes, and as you gain elevation, you’ll see the landscape transform into open alpine meadows. The higher you climb, the more you’ll witness the beauty of Kilimanjaro's unique flora. The route is steady, and by the time you reach Second Cave Camp, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking panoramic view of the Mawenzi Peak, one of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones. Relax and enjoy your hot dinner, followed by a good night’s rest to prepare for the next stage of your adventure. 

Private Toilets: Available at the campsite 

Mess Tent: Yes 

Beds: Provided with mats and sleeping bags 

Wash Tent: Available for personal hygiene 

Oxygen: Portable oxygen available in case of altitude sickness

Elevation: 3,450 m / 11,319 ft to 3,600 m / 11,811 ft 

Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles 

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours 

Habitat: Moorland, Alpine Desert 

As you depart Second Cave Camp, you’ll journey through the alpine desert, an open, windswept environment with a stark beauty all its own. The high-altitude landscape is marked by mosses, grasses, and hardy shrubs, and the views stretch across the surrounding valleys. Upon arriving at Kikelewa Camp, you’ll enjoy some of the most spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak. The camp is situated in a scenic location, offering you a chance to rest and acclimatize while you enjoy your dinner in the mess tent. 

Private Toilets: Available at the campsite 

Mess Tent: Yes 

Beds: Provided with mats and sleeping bags

Wash Tent: Available for personal hygiene 

Oxygen: Portable oxygen available in case of altitude sickness

Elevation: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft to 4,330 m / 14,200 ft 

Distance: 8 km / 5 miles

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours 

Habitat: Alpine Desert 

Today's hike is a gradual ascent toward Mawenzi Tarn Huts, situated below the towering Mawenzi Peak. This segment of the trek is characterized by more rugged terrain, but it offers magnificent views of the Mawenzi spires and the alpine landscape. The rocky path may be challenging, but you’ll be rewarded with the tranquil atmosphere and stunning vistas at Mawenzi Tarn Huts. Here, you can rest and allow your body to adjust to the altitude, which will help you in the upcoming stages. 

Private Toilets: Available at the campsite 

Mess Tent: Yes 

Beds: Provided with mats and sleeping bags 

Wash Tent: Available for personal hygiene 

Oxygen: Portable oxygen available in case of altitude sickness

Elevation: 4,330 m / 14,200 ft to 4,700 m / 15,420 ft 

Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles 

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours 

Habitat: Alpine Desert 

Today's climb takes you across the high desert terrain, marked by loose rocks and the ever-changing landscape of Mount Kilimanjaro. As you make your way to Kibo Hut, you'll experience the arid, high-altitude environment that prepares you for the summit attempt. Arriving at Kibo Huts, you’ll have time to rest and prepare for the final push toward the summit, which will begin in the early hours of the following morning. Your team will serve you a hearty meal to fuel you for the challenge ahead. 

Private Toilets: Available at the campsite 

Mess Tent: Yes 

Beds: Provided with mats and sleeping bags 

Wash Tent: Available for personal hygiene 

Oxygen: Portable oxygen available in case of altitude sickness

Elevation: 4,700 m / 15,420 ft to 5,895 m / 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak) to 3,720 m / 12,205 ft (Horombo Huts) 

Distance: 13 km / 8 miles 

Hiking Time: 12–14 hours 

Habitat: Arctic Zone

This is the longest and most challenging day of the trek, as you begin your ascent in the early hours of the morning. The trail takes you through a rocky, icy environment toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. Reaching the summit is an emotional and physical triumph, offering unparalleled views and a sense of achievement. After spending some time at the peak, you will begin the descent, heading back down to Horombo Huts to rest. 

Private Toilets: Available at the campsite 

Mess Tent: Yes 

Beds: Provided with mats and sleeping bags 

Wash Tent: Available for personal hygiene 

Oxygen: Portable oxygen available in case of altitude sickness.

Elevation: 3,720 m / 12,205 ft to 1,830 m / 6,004 ft 

Distance: 27 km / 16.8 miles 

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours 

Habitat: Rainforest 

As you descend through the lush rainforest, you’ll retrace your steps to Marangu Gate where your Kilimanjaro trek officially ends. The descent is relaxing and offers a different perspective of the mountain. Upon arrival, your team will present you with your summit certificates to commemorate your achievement. You’ll then head back to Moshi, where you can enjoy a celebratory dinner and reflect on your incredible accomplishment. 

Private Toilets: Available at the campsite 

Mess Tent: Yes 

Beds: Provided with mats and sleeping bags 

Wash Tent: Available for personal hygiene 

Oxygen: Portable oxygen available in case of altitude sickness

After a final breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure. It’s time to say farewell to your guides and fellow trekkers, leaving with memories of a lifetime.