Mt Kilimanjaro Rongai Route (Driest Route)

Today, you'll be greeted at either Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport and whisked away to Tulia Spa & Boutique Hotel. Upon arrival and settling in, your guide will join you to provide a comprehensive briefing on the upcoming hike. They'll outline each day's expectations and ensure you're well-equipped with all the necessary gear for the adventure ahead.

Following an early breakfast, your adventure kicks off with a pickup and transfer to Marangu Gate (1980m). Here, while the porters organize your belongings, you and your guide will register with the Tanzania National Park (Tanapa). From there, a vehicle will take you to the Rongai trailhead, approximately 2.5 hours away from Marangu Gate. The trail begins amidst tall cornfields before leading into a scenic pine forest. With a gradual ascent, hikers can savor the surroundings, reaching the halfway point for a lunch break. By late afternoon or early evening, you'll arrive at the 1st Caves Camp (2600m), where the porters and chef, moving swiftly ahead, will have already set up tents, boiled drinking water, and prepared snacks for your arrival.

Elevation: (1950m) to (2600m)
Hiking time: 5 hours
Distance: Approximately 8 kilometers
Habitat: Montane Forest

After a hearty breakfast, hikers will resume their climb towards Kikelewa Cave (3600m). Along the trail, they'll pass by Second Cave (3450m), offering an ideal spot for a lunch break. As with the previous night, tents will be pitched ahead of your arrival, and porters will ensure drinking and washing water is readily available. Evening snacks and a delicious dinner prepared by our chef await you at camp. Prepare for a chilly night as temperatures plummet below freezing at this exposed altitude.

Elevation: 2600m – 3600m
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Distance: Approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles)
Habitat: Moorlands

On this day, hikers will tackle a short yet steep trail to reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m). Along the way, amidst the moorland, they'll encounter exotic flora such as giant lobelia and groundsel. Upon arrival at camp, hikers will be greeted by breathtaking views, providing a chance for their bodies to adjust to the altitude. As the sun sets, a sumptuous hot dinner and washing water will be prepared, allowing hikers to unwind and soak in the stunning surroundings.

Elevation: (3600) – (4330m)
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorlands

After breakfast, hikers will continue their ascent eastward for a half-day trek to Kibo Hut. Situated in the "Saddle" between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo, this alpine desert camp offers stunning vistas. While there's no water available, hikers can purchase mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be provided to ensure hikers can rest before their summit attempt later that night. Your guide will offer detailed instructions on summit night preparations. It's essential to get to sleep by 19:00 to ensure ample rest.

Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

The summit attempt begins around 23:30, with your guide rousing you from rest. The trail initially leads through rocky terrain up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), then continues the ascent to Gillman’s Point (5681m). This steep and rocky section, at high altitude, marks a significant achievement. Gillman’s Point rests on the crater rim, offering panoramic views. Expect a snow-covered trail from here to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m), a momentous milestone. After a brief stop for photos and tea, the descent to Barafu commences, taking approximately 3 hours. At Kibo Hut, you'll enjoy a meal before descending further to Horombo Hut (3720m).

Elevation: Kibo Hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru and 6 hours to Horombo
Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit

Fueled by a celebratory breakfast, your mountain crew will erupt in a joyful display of singing and dancing to mark your achievement. Here, at this high altitude gathering, you'll present tips to your guide, assistant guides, chefs, and the porters who supported you throughout the climb. After this heartwarming tradition, you'll embark on a 6-hour descent back to Marangu Gate (1980m). At the gate, the National Park will require you to sign in and receive a certificate commemorating your accomplishment. Depending on your summit point, you'll be awarded a green certificate for reaching Gillman's Point (5681m) or a gold certificate for reaching the ultimate goal, Uhuru Peak (5895m) – the highest point in Africa! Once certified, you'll be chauffeured back to Arusha or Moshi, or alternatively be dropped off directly at the airport for your departure.

Elevation: Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 27 kilometers