Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro

Here is an example of a 7-day climb on the Rongai Route. Do keep in mind that there are other route options and variations of hiking time.

Day One: Prepare for the Climb

Today we meet with our guide who will brief us on our upcoming climb, advise us on how to pack, explain what to expect, answer our last-minute questions, check over our gear, and so on. Following our meeting, we spend the afternoon relaxing, building up our strength for the upcoming climb, and acclimating to the local climate.
Aishi Hotel (breakfast, lunch, dinner included)

Day Two: Mt. Kilimanjaro Hike

After an early breakfast we make the three-hour drive to the Rongai Trailhead. The Rongai Route starts from the northeastern side of Mt. Kilimanjaro and is considered to be easier, more scenic, and most importantly, less crowded than some of the more popular routes on the southern side of the mountain. Here we meet our hiking crew and begin hiking from the village of Nale Moru. Our path crosses maize fields before entering pine forests, and eventually begins climbing through a forest containing a variety of wildlife. Today we set up camp on the edge of the Afro-Alpine Moorland Zone, where the views across the Kenyan Plains are breathtaking.
Altitude: 6,396’ to 8,530’
Hiking time: 3 hours
(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day Three: Mt. Kilimanjaro Hike

Today we embark on the challenging ascent to the “Second Cave.” Once we arrive, we enjoy lunch while taking in the remarkable views of Kibo and the ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, once we have had a chance to relax for a bit, we continue upwards to the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. We stop for the day to set up camp in a valley near Kikelewa Caves.
Altitude: 8,530’ to 11,320’
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day Four: Mt. Kilimanjaro Hike

Our climb today is shorter than yesterday, but it is steeper as we ascend the grassy slopes to the end of the vegetation zone. Today our camp is at Mawenzi Tarn, situated beneath the lofty peaks of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding area or simply relaxing at camp.
Altitude: 11,320’ to 14,210’
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day Five: Mt. Kilimanjaro Hike

Today we cross The Saddle, a vast, mostly flat expanse of land between Mawenzi and Kibo, before reaching Kibo Campsite. That afternoon we rest in preparation for our final ascent
Altitude: 14,210’ to 15,580’
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day Six: Mt. Kilimanjaro Hike

Today is the final, and most difficult, part of the hike up Mt. Kilimanjaro, when all our training and preparation pays off. We begin our hike at 1:00 am and make our way slowly along a switchback trail through loose volcanic debris to the crater rim of Gillman’s Point. Surrounding temperatures are cold (15 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit) and the surrounding atmosphere is surreal. Once we reach Gillman’s Point, we rest and watch as the sun rises gloriously over Mawenzi. Next we make the three hour roundtrip hike to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. After pictures, celebratory high-fives, and a chance to admire the views across the glaciers and ice cliffs, we descend back down to Kibo for lunch. We make one last short hike down the Marangu Route to Horombo Camp after lunch. We take a well-deserved rest and sleep soundly
Altitude: 15,580’ to 18,650’ (Gillman’s Point) to 19,340’ (summit) then down to 12,200’
Hiking time: 12-16 hours
(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day Seven: Mt. Kilimanjaro Hike

We descend steadily down Mt. Kilimanjaro, past Mandara Hut, through lush rainforests, and through the mooreland zone to Marangu Gate. Here we are awarded a diploma certifying that we completed the climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro. That evening we transfer to Moivaro Lodge in Arusha for a chance to shower, relax, recover, and enjoy a well deserved drink at the bar overlooking Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Altitude: 12,200’ to 6,250’
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Trip Departs: Daily
Trip Length: 7 to 15 days
Highlights: Mt. Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak

PRICE PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

All meals, entrance fees, guide fees, camping fees, rescue fees, Kilimanjaro National Park fees, ground transportation, accommodation, all logistics for Mt. Kilimanjaro climb (tents, chairs, tables, mess tent, mattresses, cutlery, etc), expert guides, cooks, porters, all porterage during climb, mineral water during climb, hyperbaric chamber & altitude medical kit for emergencies, taxes, and comprehensive travel insurance.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?

Flights, alcohol, gratuities, passport/visa fees, and personal purchases.

Here are some links with important information regarding this trip.

Flight Information
Travel Insurance

Tanzania Details
Country Information
Health Information
Country Conditions
Weather Conditions