This is an attractive route in the eastern part of the mountain. It is located near the Tanzania-Kenya border about 120 km from Moshi….

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Rongai route

Located east side of the mountain , just south of the Kenya-Tanzania border, it passes through farmland and forest to several other climate zones, adding interest to the trek.
There are magnificent views over the Kenyan plains and genuine possibilities for wildlife viewing. This route normally takes 6 days, however, we highly recommend 7 days to allow more time for acclimatization.

Day 1: Drive from hotel to Marangu gate then Rongai Gate and hike to Simba Camp 3000m:

After breakfast at your hotel, we will drive about 1 hour from hotel to the Marangu Gate for registration and to collect the entrance permit. Afterward, we continue driving about two hours to Rongai Gate. You will have lunch and start hiking, crossing village of Nalemuru. You pass fields of maize and potatoes before entering the forest of alpine trees. This attractive forest shelters a variety of wildlife including blue monkeys and black and white colobus monkeys. You arrive at the first campsite at the edge of the rainforest for dinner and overnight rest.

Day 2: To Second Cave  3450m:

After breakfast we will start a steady walk ascending to Second Cave for lunch. After lunch we will rest until evening whem we will do a nature walk for acclimatization before returning back to the camp for dinner and overnight rest.

Day 3: To Kikelewa Camp 3650m:

After breakfast, we start walking in a relatively flat section before encountering a steep area. We then descend a bit before arriving at the camp for lunch. Today we will be able to see Kibo Peak and eastern ice fields.

Day 4: To Tarn 4315m:

After breakfast we will start with short steep climb up grass slopes. This portion of the trail offers superb panoramic views and a tangible sense of wilderness before reaching Mawenzi Tarn Hut for lunch. After lunch, we proceed on a nature walk for acclimatization to the slopes of Mawenzi and back to the camp for dinner and overnight rest.

Day 5: To Kibo Hut 4727m:

We trek crossing the saddle area between Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Peak and it will be our last water point. Along the way we will be able to see the remains of an airplane crash. Lunch will be in the middle of the alpine desert. We then continue to Kibo Hut Camp for an early dinner and an early bedtime in preparation for the summit attempt.

Day 6: To Uhuru Summit 5895m and descend to Horombo Hut 3727m:

Around 11:00 pm you will wake up for tea and some snacks and dress up warmly for the summit. The trek will start with a gradual ascent through volcanic scree. As the slope becomes steep the trail zigzags up the mountain. The pace becomes slow but it is best to keep moving.  The trail reaches the crater rim known as Gilman’s Point 5685m. Here we have a brief rest then continue to Stella Point 5756m for a brief pause. Around this time you can see a wonderful sunrise.  It is here that the trail merges with hikers from other routes, all heading to Uhuru Peak 5895m. At the summit, we will stay for 10-15 minutes for pictures and to take in the view.  We can’t stay long though, there is still a lot of ground to cover this day. We descend via the same trail to Kibo Hut for rest and brunch. We then continue the descent to Horombo Hut for overnight rest. Note that although there are huts here, they are for those trekking via Marangu Route. We will be in our tents this night.

Day 7: To Marangu Gate 1890m:

After breakfast we will descend to Marangu Gate, covering 18 km in 4-7 hours, crossing moorland and rainforest zones. After signing out in the Kilimanjaro National Park log book, your guide will collect certificates for those who managed a successful summit. Our driver will be waiting at the gate to take you back to your hotel for a hot shower and enjoyment.