7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb — Rongai Route

• Quiet and less crowded
• Drier — good in the rainy season
• Mawenzi Tarn below Mawenzi peak
• Gentle slopes for beginners

Route: Moshi – Rongai Gate – Simba Camp – Second Cave – Kikelewa – Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Marangu

1. Day 1Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

   A drive around the mountain to Rongai Gate (1,950 m), then a walk through pine and forest edges to Simba Camp.

   • 2,600 m
   • Walking: 3–4 hours
   • Simba Camp
   • B, L, D
2. Day 2Simba Camp to Second Cave

   A steady walk up open moorland with views back to the plains of Kenya.

   • 3,450 m
   • Walking: 3–4 hours
   • Second Cave
   • B, L, D
3. Day 3Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp

   Walk towards Mawenzi peak over open heathland.

   • 3,600 m
   • Walking: 3–4 hours
   • Kikelewa Camp
   • B, L, D
4. Day 4Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn

   A short, steep walk to a little lake under the sharp towers of Mawenzi. Time to rest and acclimatise.

   • 4,330 m
   • Walking: 3–4 hours
   • Mawenzi Tarn Camp
   • B, L, D
5. Day 5Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

   Across the Saddle desert to Kibo Hut. Early dinner and sleep.

   • 4,720 m
   • Walking: 4–5 hours
   • Kibo Hut
   • B, L, D
6. Day 6Summit day and down to Horombo

   Start around midnight to Gilman's Point and on to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Walk down to Horombo Hut.

   • 5,895 m
   • Walking: 12–14 hours
   • Horombo Hut
   • B, L, D
7. Day 7Horombo to Marangu Gate and Moshi

   Walk down to Marangu Gate, get your certificate and drive to your hotel.

   • 1,860 m
   • Walking: 5–6 hours
   • Hotel in Moshi
   • B, L

Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.

Joining a group climb? You always pay the 2-person price (US$2,200), even if you travel alone.