7 day -  Rongai Route

Day One: Rongai Gate to First Cave Camp 
Beginning Elevation: 1800 meters/6400 feet 
Ending Elevation: 2560 meters/8400 feet 
Elevation Gain: 760 meters/2000 feet 
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours

After an early breakfast in Arusha, proceed to the Rongai Gate near the Kenyan border. The drive will take approximately two hours from Arusha. After registering at the gate, begin your climb to Uhuru, the peak of Kilimanjaro. During the first day, hike through forests where youll see and hear wildlife including colobus monkeys and birds. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing on to through the forest to the first campsite. Although the hike is not long, the hike is slow to allow for proper acclimatization. Upon reaching the campsite, enjoy hot tea and snacks.

 Day Two: First Cave Camp to Third Cave Camp 
Beginning Elevation: 2560 meters/8400 feet 
Ending Elevation: 3600 meters/11810 feet 
Elevation Gain: 1040 meters/3412 feet 
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

The trail first continues through forest and then opens up to the more barren moorland. Carry plenty of drinking water, as the hike can be quite hot on a clear day. There are several viewpoints from which you can see the plains and forests below and Kibo and Mawenzi peaks above. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing on to the campsite. The second campsite is just before the saddle.

 Day Three: Third Cave Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp 
Beginning Elevation: 3600 meters/11810 feet 
Ending Elevation: 4300 meters/14100 feet 
Elevation Gain: 700 meters/2290 feet 
Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours

This day is an acclimatization day, allowing you to hike in the beginning of the day and rest in the afternoon and evening. The hike is relatively short but steep. The Mawenzi Tarn campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.

Day Four: Mawenzi Tarn Camp Acclimatization Day 
Beginning Elevation: 4300 meters/14100 feet 
Ending Elevation: 4300 meters/14100 feet 
Hiking Time: Day hikes available

Day four is an acclimatization day. You will be based at the campsite during this day with short day hikes that will take you higher on the mountain before descending to the campsite for dinner and overnight.

 Day Five: Kibo Hut to School Hut 
Beginning Elevation: 4700 meters/15400 feet 
Ending Elevation: 4750 meters/15580 feet 
Elevation Gain: 50 meters/160 feet 
Hiking Time: 1 hour

Day five is a rest and acclimatization day. The hike to the summit begins at 12:30am in the morning on day six, so it is important to rest and sleep on day five to prepare for the 15 hour hike that lies ahead.

 Day Six: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut 
Beginning Elevation: 4700 meters/15400 feet 
Summit: 5896 meters/19340 feet 
Ending Elevation: 3700 meters/12000 feet 
Hiking Time: 15 to 16 hours

At 12:30am, begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, you will hike by the light of your flashlight. It is helpful if you have a headlamp so your arms are free during the ascent. The final ascent will be the most challenging part of the climb. The going is extremely slow until you reach the top at Uhuru Peak. At dawn, reach Gilmans Point which is on the crater rim.

The hike from Gilmans to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. However, the altitude makes the going slow and dangerous. Be aware of your health and inform the guide of any serious symptoms of altitude sickness. Upon reaching Uhuru, enjoy breathtaking views above the clouds. Take photos on the top before beginning the long descent. On the way down, be sure to keep your footing and drink plenty of water. This day ends at Horombo Camp.

Day Seven: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate 
Beginning Elevation: 3700 meters/12000 feet 
Ending Elevation: 1830 meters/6000 feet 
Elevation Loss: 1870 meters/6000 feet 
Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hours

After breakfast youll finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through the enormous trees of the cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. A Buffalo Tours car will be waiting at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Arusha. You will be able to buy t-shirts and sodas at the gate.

End Of Tour