The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border. The descent via  Marangu route on the south east side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many view points. The drive will take roughly 5 hours of driving from Arusha town to Rongai gate.

6 Days+ 2 Night at the Hotel, Rongai Itinerary

Day 1 : Rongai Gate (1950m) – simba camp (2600m)

• Hiking time: 5 hours
• Distance: 7km
• Habitat: Montane Forest

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and driven to the Rongai gate (1950m). 

after getting to the gate, we can spend roughly one hour to wait for the summit savannah team  to finalize everything, the lunch will be save at the gate.

Day 2 : Simba camp  (2600m) – Kikelewa Cave (3600m)

• Hiking time: 6-7 hours
• Habitat: Moorlands

Following a hot breakfast, hikers will continue their ascent to Kikelewa Cave (3600m). The trail passes Second Cave (3450m) and this is a good spot to take a lunch break. Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.

Day 3: Kikelewa Cave (3600) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)

• Hiking time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Moorlands

On this day, hikers will enjoy a short, yet steep trail to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m). In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. At camp, hikers will enjoy spectacular views and allow their bodies to acclimate. Hot dinner and washing water will be prepared for hikers as they enjoy the magnificent sunset.

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)

• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast, hikers will continue ascending east for a half-day hike to Kibo Hut. Kibo is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night.

Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night.

Day 5: Summit Attempt

• Kibo Hut (4720m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)
• Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru and 6 hours to Horombo
• Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit
• Distance: 6km ascent and 21 km descent

Your guide will wake you around 23:00 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours.

At Kibo Hut, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch . After eating, you will continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m). You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a strenuous day.

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)

• Hiking time: 6 hours
• Distance: 27 km

Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for 6 to 8 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m).

The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, you will drive back to Arusha for long overdue showers and celebrations.