Kilimanjaro Via Rongai Route

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by an Ahsante Tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Your guide will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.

After an early breakfast, we’ll drive to the Rongai Gate, the starting point of our trek. Here, you will meet your guides and porters, complete registration formalities, and embark on the journey. The trail begins in the lush rainforest, gradually ascending through picturesque scenery. Along the way, you may spot various species of flora and fauna endemic to the region. After approximately 4-5 hours of hiking, we will reach Simba Camp, where you’ll spend the night.

• Elevation: Start at 1,950m, end at 2,650m
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: Approximately 7 km
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Habitat: Rainforest

Today’s trek takes us further into the alpine desert zone. The trail winds through rocky terrain and sparse vegetation, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. As we gain elevation, you may start to feel the effects of altitude, so it’s essential to stay hydrated and pace yourself accordingly. After about 4-6 hours of hiking, we will arrive at Second Cave Camp, our accommodation for the night.

• Elevation: Start at 2,650m, end at 3,450m
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Distance: Approximately 8 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Habitat: Moorland

Continuing our ascent, we’ll traverse across undulating terrain, passing through moorland dotted with unique plant species such as giant lobelias and senecios. The trail gradually gains elevation, providing stunning vistas of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak on clear days. By late afternoon, we’ll reach Kikelewa Camp, situated beneath Mawenzi Peak, where you’ll spend the night acclimatizing to the altitude.

• Elevation: Start at 3,450m, end at 3,600m
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: Approximately 6 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Habitat: Moorland

Today’s trek involves a steady climb towards Mawenzi Tarn, nestled in a valley beneath the towering cliffs of Mawenzi Peak. As we ascend, you’ll notice the landscape transitioning into a barren lunar-like terrain, with dramatic rock formations and sweeping vistas. Take it slow and steady to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. By early afternoon, we’ll arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, where you can rest and admire the awe-inspiring surroundings.

• Elevation: Start at 3,600m, end at 4,330m
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Distance: Approximately 7 km
• Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

With the summit in sight, we’ll embark on the final leg of our journey towards Kibo Hut, the base camp for the summit attempt. The trail ascends steadily across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, offering breathtaking views of the summit looming ahead. As we reach higher elevations, the air becomes thinner, making each step more challenging. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you’ll have some time to rest and prepare for the summit push, which begins in the early hours of the next morning.

• Elevation: Start at 4,330m, end at 4,700m
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Distance: Approximately 8 km
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today is the culmination of your Kilimanjaro adventure as we embark on the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. We’ll start the climb in the early hours of the morning, following a steep and challenging trail illuminated by headlamps. As the sun rises, we’ll continue our ascent, taking breaks as needed to catch our breath and refuel. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views and a sense of achievement like no other. After celebrating our success, we’ll begin the descent back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut, where we’ll spend our final night on the mountain.

• Elevation: Start at 4,700m, ascend to 5,895m, descend to 3,720m
• Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
• Distance: Approximately 20 km (8 km ascent, 12 km descent)
• Difficulty: Very Difficult
• Habitat: Arctic to Alpine Desert

On our last day on the mountain, we’ll descend through the rainforest, retracing our steps back to Marangu Gate. Here, you’ll receive your summit certificates, commemorating your accomplishment. After bidding farewell to your guides and porters, we’ll transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible journey up Kilimanjaro. Tonight, celebrate your achievements with a well-deserved dinner and restful sleep.

• Elevation: Start at 3,720m, end at 1,860m
• Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
• Distance: Approximately 20 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Habitat: Rainforest

Say goodbye to the extraordinary Kilimanjaro trek. We’ll transport you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, extend your journey with a thrilling wildlife safari or a peaceful vacation to Zanzibar.