Day 1: Nale Muru – Simba Camp

The journey begins with a drive through villages and coffee plantations to the incredible wooden village of Nale Moru. On the northeast side of the mountain, where you meet the porters. The trail begins in moist rainforest and quickly changes to lighter vegetation on the dry north side. You’ll soon reach the heather zone. Overnight in the tent at 9,300 feet altitude in the First Cave Camp (Simba Camp). Simba Camp is close to First Cave and has a spectacular view of Kenya’s plains.

Hiking: 4-5 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~9,300′

Day 2: Simba Camp – Second Cave

The stage for today starts early in the morning with a steady climb up to Second Cave. The path follows a long stretch of heath, which is distinguished by heather, wild flowers, and stony paths. Enjoy the view of Kibo and the east-facing glaciers on the crater rim as you walk. After lunch, you’ll depart from the main trail and follow a narrower path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Finally, you will arrive at ‘Second Cave,’ which is located in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves and is surrounded by giant senecio plants.

Hiking: 3-4 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~11,300′

Day 3: Second Cave – Third Cave

This day has been set aside for acclimatization in order to increase your chances of reaching the summit and reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Spend the morning relaxing and taking in your surroundings. Around lunchtime, it is time to leave the camp and make your way across the heath, following a narrow path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi and Third Cave.

Hiking: 3-4 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~11,811′

Day 4: Third Cave – Mawenzi Tarn Hut

The stage today takes you to Mawenzi Tarn Hut. A fantastic panoramic view awaits you after a short but steep climb up a grassy mountainside. The heathland gives way to rocky highlands, which are littered with large and small volcanic boulders from a previous period of volcanic activity. After a couple more hours on the trail, you will arrive at your overnight accommodation, which is nestled in a valley between the towering spires of Mawenzi.

Hiking: 4-5 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~14,160′

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Kibo Huts

You will now be walking through the almost lunar landscape known as ‘The Saddle,’ which connects Mawenzi and Kibo. When you arrive at Kibo Huts, located at the base of the Kibo crater wall, prepare your equipment and warm clothing for the next day’s trek to the peak. Keep your drinking water in a Thermos to avoid it freezing solid. Then spend the rest of the day relaxing and going to bed early to recharge your “human batteries” for Kilimanjaro’s ultimate challenge.

Hiking: 6-8 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~15,430′

Day 6: Kibo Huts – Gilman’s Point – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Huts

After a light meal, you’ll start the toughest part of the ascent around midnight. The terrain is challenging, with loose stones. The goal is to reach Gilman’s Point before dawn and Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s highest point, shortly after sunrise. Depending on the season, you might face snow. Once you reach the 5,895-meter summit, take in the stunning view, snap a photo, and descend to Kibo Huts for lunch, then to Horombo Huts for a restful sleep.

Hiking: 4-5 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~12,205′

Day 7: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Arusha

We finally make our way through the rain forest to Marangu Gate. Before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, we will have lunch and say our goodbyes to our mountain crew. Return to Arusha for a relaxing shower and a celebratory dinner.

Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~1,843′

This will be the end of your 7 Days Rongai Route, for more safari and mountain climbing packages kindly click here.