Distance: 7km
Trekking time: 4-6 hours
Zone: Tropical Rainforest
Altitude gain: 730 meters
Upon registering at the Rongai Gate (the starting point), your trek commences through a rainforest, gradually ascending to Simba Camp (today’s final destination). Meandering through a potato farm adds a touch of local charm to your journey. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys. This leg offers a relatively easy hike, covering approximately 7 km.
Note that the word Simba means lion. The camp got its name from info that a lion was once spotted around this area.

Distance: 13km
Trekking time: 6-8 hours
Zone: Moorland
Altitude gain: 779 meters

After a good breakfast at Simba Camp, we’re setting off on a climb to Kikulelwa Camp. Today is where the 7-day and 6-day Rongai routes differ. Unlike the 7-day plan that spends a night at Second Cave Camp, our 6-day journey skips that part and heads straight to Kikulelwa for the night.

We’ll stray from the main path and take a smaller trail leading to the rocky tops of Mawenzi. Finally, we’ll reach our last stop for the day, Kikulelwa Camp. It’s a change in the route, but it means a cozy night’s stay at this camp, nestled in the beauty of Kilimanjaro. It’s a strategic pause before we tackle more heights on this adventure.

Distance: 9km
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Zone: Alpine desert
Altitude gain: 715 meters
After breakfast, we’ll tackle a steep climb to reach our final stop, the famous Mawenzi Tarn Camp. This campsite, nestled under the towering cliffs of Mawenzi peak, offers stunning views of the Kenyan plains. Arriving early means a warm lunch and a chance for a walk around this area to get used to the altitude. It’s a day of both effort and enjoyment, surrounded by incredible landscapes.
Note: The campsite got its name from a tarn ( a small mountain lake) that exists in that area.

Distance: 9km
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Zone: Alpine desert
Altitude gain: 715 meters
After breakfast, you will start a gradual ascent through the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo.
Today’s hike leads to the base camp called Kibo Hut, which is nestled at the foot of the Kibo crater wall. As evening descends, savor an early dinner at Kibo Hut, setting the stage for a well-deserved rest ahead of the summit attempt.

Distance: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak about 6.5km
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut 15.5km making a total of 22km

Trekking time:
6-8 hours to Uhuru Peak, then 5-6 hours from Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Zone: Arctic zone then Heath

Altitude gain: 1175 meters then
altitude loss:2175 meters

The eagerly awaited summit night is upon you, where both your mental resilience and physical strength will be put to the ultimate test.

Upon awakening, a serving of hot drinks and biscuits will precede the commencement of the summit hike, with the initial destination being Gilman’s Point at 5685 meters, situated on Kibo’s crater rim.

At Gilman’s Point, a brief rest of no more than 5 minutes awaits, allowing time to refuel with a snack.

The final ascent will then unfold at a deliberate pace, conquering the remaining 200 meters to Uhuru Peak. After capturing moments with photos and celebrating at Uhuru Peak, the descent journey begins, leading back to Kibo Hut and onward to Horombo Hut.

Distance: 19km
Trekking time: 6-8 hours
Zone: Rainforest
Altitude loss: 1750 meters
Exhausted yet undoubtedly elated, you’ve now realized your dream of conquering Africa’s highest peak. While traversing the rainforest during your descent, anticipate encounters with Colobus monkeys and other small creatures. The challenging descent includes a lunch stop at Mandara Hut before progressing to Marangu Gate.