Day 1: Arrival in Moshi;
Your 9-day Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek begins with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi, the starting point for your adventure. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, meeting with your guide, and preparing for your trek. Overnight stay in Moshi.
Day 2: Moshi - Rongai Gate - Rongai First Cave;
After breakfast, you'll be driven to the Rongai Gate (1,950 meters), the starting point of your trek. Here, you'll meet your trekking crew, complete registration formalities, and begin your ascent. The trail initially passes through farmland and pine forest before entering the rainforest zone. After approximately 3-4 hours of hiking, you'll reach Rongai First Cave Camp (2,620 meters). Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
Day 3: Rongai First Cave - Kikelewa Camp;
Today's trek takes you further along the Rongai Route, ascending through the moorland zone. The trail offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro's northern slopes and the surrounding landscape. After breakfast, you'll begin your hike towards Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters), where you'll spend the night. The terrain becomes more rocky as you ascend, but the pace remains steady. Dinner and overnight stay at Kikelewa Camp.
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp - Mawenzi Tarn Camp;
After breakfast, you'll continue your ascent towards Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330 meters). The trail takes you through a rugged landscape of alpine desert, with sparse vegetation and rocky terrain. Along the way, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Upon reaching Mawenzi Tarn Camp, you'll have lunch and spend the afternoon resting and acclimatizing. Dinner and overnight stay at Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp - Kibo Hut;
Today's trek takes you to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters), the final camp before the summit push. The trail ascends steadily, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Keep an eye out for unique flora and fauna adapted to the high altitude. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you'll have lunch and spend the rest of the day resting and mentally preparing for the summit bid. Dinner will be served early, and you'll have an early bedtime to prepare for the summit push.
Day 6: Summit Day - Uhuru Peak - Horombo Hut;
You'll wake up before midnight to begin your summit attempt. The trek to the summit starts in darkness, following a steep and challenging trail to Gilman's Point (5,681 meters), located on the crater rim. From Gilman's Point, it's a relatively flat but physically demanding trek along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement at the summit, you'll begin the descent back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and refreshments. From Kibo Hut, you'll continue descending to Horombo Hut (3,720 meters), where you'll have dinner and spend the night.
Day 7: Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate - Moshi;
After breakfast, you'll begin the final descent towards Marangu Gate (1,860 meters), where you'll sign out with the park authorities and receive your summit certificates. Your transfer will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a hot shower and a well-deserved rest. Overnight stay in Moshi.
Day 8: Moshi - Cultural Tour;
Today, you'll have the option to participate in a cultural tour of Moshi and the surrounding areas. You can visit local villages, learn about traditional customs and crafts, and interact with the friendly residents. Alternatively, you may choose to relax at your hotel and reflect on your Kilimanjaro adventure. Overnight stay in Moshi.
Day 9: Departure;
After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or exploration before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek. Depart with cherished memories of summiting Africa's highest peak and experiencing the beauty of Kilimanjaro's diverse landscapes.