Day 1

 Rongai Gate to Simba Camp)

    • Elevation: 1,950m/6,400ft to 2,625m/8,611ft
    • Hiking time: 3-4 hours
    • Distance: 7km/4.3 miles
    • Habitat: Montane Forest

    After breakfast in Moshi, you will drive to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After completing the necessary registration formalities, you will begin your climb to Simba Camp, situated at an elevation of 2,625m/8,611ft. You will hike through the lush forest on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro, where you may see a variety of wildlife, including colobus monkeys. You will have dinner and overnight at Simba Camp.

Day 2

Mandara Hut (2,700m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

    • Elevation: 2,625m/8,611ft to 3,600m/11,811ft
    • Hiking time: 6-7 hours
    • Distance: 12km/7.5 miles
    • Habitat: Moorland

    After breakfast, you will start your ascent towards Kikelewa Camp. You will pass through the heathland and moorland zones of Kilimanjaro, where you will enjoy stunning views of the mountain’s peaks. You will have dinner and overnight at Kikelewa Camp.

Day 3

Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

    • Elevation: 3,600m/11,811ft to 4,330m/14,200ft
    • Hiking time: 3-4 hours
    • Distance: 6km/3.7 miles
    • Habitat: Alpine Desert

    After breakfast, you will continue your trek through the alpine desert, where you will see unique flora such as giant lobelias and groundsel. You will have lunch at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, situated at an elevation of 4,330m/14,200ft, and spend the afternoon resting and acclimatizing. You will have dinner and overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp.

Day 4

 Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

  • Elevation: 4,330m/14,200ft to 4,750m/15,580ft
  • Hiking time: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 8km/5 miles
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, you will cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut, situated at an elevation of 4,750m/15,580ft. You will have an early dinner and go to bed early to prepare for the final ascent to the summit.

Day 5

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

  • You will wake up just before midnight and begin your final ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak. You will climb through the darkness for 6-8 hours, guided by your headlamp, to reach Gilman’s Point at an elevation of 5,681m/18,638ft, where you will watch the sunrise over the savannah below. You will then continue along the crater rim for 1-2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at an elevation of 5,895m/19,341ft. After taking in the views and celebrating your achievement, you will begin your descent to Kibo Hut for a short rest and refreshment before continuing down to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight.
Day 6

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

  • Elevation: 3,720m/12,200ft to 1,830m/6,000ft
  • Hiking time: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 20km/12.5 miles
  • Habitat: Moorland and Montane Forest

After breakfast, you will descend through the moorland to the Mandara Hut for lunch. You will then continue through the lush forest to the Marangu Gate, where you will sign out and receive your summit certificates. You will then be transferred back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration.

That’s the end of the 5-day Kilimanjaro trekking itinerary on the Rongai Route. Keep in mind that this itinerary can be adjusted to fit your specific needs and preferences. Also, note that climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenging adventure that requires physical fitness, mental preparation, and proper gear. It’s essential to choose a reputable tour operator and follow their instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience.