All trekkers will need to arrange their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Upon arrival, you will be met by our driver for a private transfer to your hotel. The evening provides an opportunity to relax, settle in, and prepare for the trek ahead. Either this night or early the next morning, you will meet your local Kandoo representative for a comprehensive pre-climb briefing. During this session, you will receive guidance on equipment, packing, and health considerations, as well as a chance to ask questions about the upcoming adventure. This preparation ensures that everyone is fully equipped and ready to start the climb safely and confidently

Transport: Private transfer
Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer you to Marangu Gate for registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities, followed by a further transfer of approximately 2½ hours to the Rongai trailhead. The trek begins in the village of Nale Moru, winding gently through maize fields where local farmers cultivate the land. The path gradually ascends into a pine forest, offering dappled sunlight and a sense of quiet wilderness as you leave the villages behind. Along the way, you may spot the first signs of Kilimanjaro’s wildlife, including birds and monkeys. After approximately four to five hours of hiking, you will reach First Cave Camp, set at 2,600 metres. Here, you will spend your first night on the mountain under the stars, with tents arranged by the crew and meals prepared on site.

Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Ascent: 650 metres
Maximum altitude: 2,600 metres
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trek continues steadily upward, passing Second Cave (3,450 m), where climbers often take a brief rest and enjoy the views before continuing. The path opens to wider vistas, giving a clearer sense of the immense scale of Kilimanjaro. The vegetation changes as you climb, moving from forested sections into moorlands dotted with giant groundsels and lobelias. After six to seven hours of trekking, you will reach Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m), where tents are set up in a scenic clearing surrounded by gentle slopes. From here, the mountain’s size becomes even more apparent, with distant peaks and expansive valleys visible. The afternoon is a chance to rest, enjoy the scenery, and mentally prepare for the higher altitude ahead.

Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Ascent: 1,000 metres
Maximum altitude: 3,600 metres
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail today is shorter but steeper, climbing grassy slopes that gradually reveal breathtaking panoramic views. The ascent to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m) is rewarded with a dramatic backdrop of the towering Mawenzi spires, creating a sense of isolation and wilderness. Vegetation becomes sparse as you climb, giving way to rocky terrain and hardy alpine plants. Once at camp, the afternoon is free for rest or exploration, allowing your body to acclimatise to the higher altitude. Short walks around the tarn and nearby ridges are encouraged, offering dramatic photographic opportunities and a tangible sense of being in one of the most remote and scenic parts of the mountain.

Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Ascent: 730 metres
Maximum altitude: 4,330 metres
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is dedicated to acclimatisation, which is crucial for a successful summit. You will spend the day exploring the area around Mawenzi Tarn, following short hikes along ridges and small towers that offer commanding views of both Mawenzi and the Kibo massif. The crew can arrange additional excursions to help your body adjust to the altitude, while also giving you a chance to photograph and experience the rugged wilderness. This slower pace ensures your body adapts safely, and the stunning surroundings make it a rewarding and memorable day despite the lack of major elevation gain.

Maximum altitude: 4,330 metres
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Mawenzi Tarn, the trail crosses the Saddle, a barren, moon-like desert plateau that lies between Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape here is stark and dramatic, with volcanic rock and scree stretching to the horizon. The walk is relatively gentle, covering about three to four hours and gaining 420 metres in altitude, but the vast openness and lack of vegetation make it feel otherworldly. Arriving at Kibo Camp (4,750 m), you are positioned at the base of the crater wall, where the remainder of the ascent to the summit will begin in the early hours of the following morning. The day is spent resting, hydrating, and preparing mentally and physically for the final climb.

Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Ascent: 420 metres
Maximum altitude: 4,750 metres
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Summit day begins with a wake-up call around 11:30 pm, followed by tea and biscuits to fuel the early climb. The ascent starts along a rocky path to Hans Meyer Cave (5,150 m), where climbers pause briefly before continuing the steep zigzag to Gilman’s Point (5,681 m) on the crater rim. The scree-covered slope is demanding, testing both physical endurance and mental determination. From Gilman’s Point, the final stretch leads through snow and rocky terrain to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), Africa’s highest point. Weather permitting, time at the summit is spent taking photographs and celebrating the achievement. The descent retraces the route to Kibo Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut for the final night on the mountain. After a long day, you will enjoy a well-earned dinner and rest.

Hiking time: 12–13 hours
Ascent: 1,145 metres
Descent: 2,175 metres
Maximum altitude: 5,895 metres
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, continue descending through the moorlands and forest, passing Mandara Hut on the way to Marangu Gate, where summit certificates are awarded at the park headquarters. From there, a private transfer takes you back to your hotel. This final day of trekking is less physically demanding, allowing you to reflect on the journey, enjoy the forest scenery, and celebrate your successful climb.

Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Descent: 1,740 metres
Maximum altitude: 3,720 metres
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

After a restful night at your hotel, it is time to depart. If you have arranged airport transfers, or continue on a safari or Zanzibar trip, our team will collect you for your onward journey. This concludes the Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Africa’s highest peak.

Transport: Private transfer
Meals included: Breakfast