Rongai Route 7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb

Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to Moshi hotel. Meet your guide for detailed trek briefing covering the unique northern route approach, daily expectations, equipment requirements, and altitude strategies. Equipment check and rental arrangements. The Rongai Route's northern approach means less tourist traffic and drier conditions. Welcome dinner and rest before tomorrow's long drive to northern starting point.

Long scenic drive to northern side of Kilimanjaro near Kenyan border (3-4 hours). At Rongai Gate, guides complete registration. Trail begins relatively flat through cultivated farmland with maize and potato fields before entering pine forest. This driest side of mountain - vegetation less lush than south. Gradual climb through forest with good chances spotting colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, various birds. Remote northern approach sees few trekkers - peaceful start. Emerge from forest onto moorland approaching Simba Camp (First Cave Camp). Views across Kenyan plains. Distance: 8km, Elevation gain: +700m. Hiking time: 4-5 hours.

Trail continues through moorland with heather and volcanic rock. Landscape open with expansive views toward Kenya and surrounding plains. Northern side drier and less vegetated than southern slopes - different atmosphere. Steady climb across ridges and through valleys with increasingly sparse vegetation. Wildlife sometimes spotted - including eland and elephants. Terrain relatively gradual compared to other routes - comfortable trekking day. Second Cave Camp sits in protected valley with stunning mountain views above. Simple camp well-positioned for acclimatization. Distance: 6km, Elevation gain: +800m. Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Steady ascent through increasingly barren landscape entering alpine desert zone. Vegetation sparse with only hardy grasses and small shrubs at this altitude. Path crosses several ridges with spectacular panoramic views. Clear days reveal both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks towering above. Landscape has remote wild feeling with minimal signs of other climbers. Air noticeably thinner with altitude gain. Kikelelwa Camp (Third Cave Camp) sits sheltered location with stunning views of dramatic Mawenzi Peak to east. Camp provides good wind protection and excellent photo opportunities. Distance: 6km, Elevation gain: +150m. Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Spectacular day trekking toward dramatic spires of Mawenzi Peak. Trail climbs steadily through alpine desert with stunning views of jagged volcanic peaks ahead. Mawenzi is second-highest peak on Kilimanjaro at 5,149m with impressive rocky spires. Landscape barren and beautiful with volcanic rock formations and minimal vegetation. Cross lunar-like desert before arriving at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, spectacularly situated beneath towering Mawenzi cliffs. Small mountain lake (tarn) near camp when water sufficient. One of most scenic campsites on mountain. Afternoon acclimatization walk up Mawenzi lower slopes highly recommended. Distance: 5km, Elevation gain: +715m. Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Cross vast saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks - barren high-altitude desert over 4,000m. Section often called "lunar desert" for stark otherworldly appearance with virtually no vegetation and expansive volcanic rock fields. Trail relatively flat but altitude makes walking challenging. Pass junction with Marangu Route approaching Kibo Hut. Landscape desolate but beautiful in starkness. Kibo Hut sits at base of Kibo crater wall - base camp for summit attempt. Upon arrival, early dinner and rest before midnight start. Prepare all summit gear, fill water bottles, organize snacks for long summit night. Distance: 8km, Elevation gain: +385m. Hiking time: 5-6 hours.

Wake before midnight for hot drinks and snacks. Begin steep ascent through loose volcanic scree toward Gilman's Point on crater rim. Climb slow and demanding with steep switchbacks in freezing temperatures and thin air. Most mentally and physically challenging section. Reaching Gilman's Point (5,681m) around sunrise incredibly emotional - you've reached crater rim! Those with energy continue 1-2 hours along rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - highest point in Africa! Final section offers spectacular glacier and crater views. Summit photos and celebration, then long descent to Kibo Hut for rest and lunch. Continue descending to Horombo Hut on Marangu Route. Long tiring descent. Summit: 6-7 hours, Total: 12-15 hours. Distance: 21km, Elevation: +1,195m/-2,175m.

Final day is long descent to Marangu Gate on southeastern side. Trek through moorland with giant heathers and open landscape, gradually entering montane rainforest zone. Forest lush and beautiful with moss-covered trees and abundant bird life. Trail passes Mandara Hut before continuing through dense rainforest to Marangu Gate. Forest trail can be slippery and muddy after rain - poles useful. As you descend, air thickens and warms, energy returns. At Marangu Gate, complete park formalities and receive summit certificate - gold for Uhuru Peak, green for Gilman's Point. Transfer back to hotel. Distance: 20km, Elevation loss: -1,860m. Hiking time: 6-7 hours.