7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Itinerary – Rongai Route

• Distance: ~8 km
• Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Montane forest

Your journey begins with a drive through small villages and farms near the Kenyan border. The trail starts in the forest, where you may spot colobus monkeys leaping between the trees. It’s a gentle climb — a perfect introduction to life on the mountain. You’ll settle into your first camp, Simba, just above the tree line, with distant views stretching toward Kenya. The stars start to take over the sky — and your adventure truly begins.

• Distance: ~8 km
• Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Today’s walk takes you into the moorland zone, with open hills, shrubs, and the occasional eagle overhead. The views of Kibo’s snow-capped summit begin to dominate the horizon. The pace is slow and deliberate — a theme that will serve you well as the altitude rises. You’ll feel the air thin slightly, and that first real sense that you're climbing something truly big.

• Distance: ~6 km
• Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

A shorter, steady day that helps with acclimatization. As you move deeper into the wilderness, the scenery becomes even more dramatic. Kikelewa Camp sits beneath towering cliffs and offers one of the best sunset views on the route.

This is where many trekkers start to feel the peaceful rhythm of the mountain — no rush, no noise, just the sound of the wind and your own breathing.

• Distance: ~6 km
• Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert

Today is short in distance but big in gain. You’ll climb steadily toward Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s rugged, jagged sister peak. The tarn (alpine lake) at camp reflects the mountain’s spires in a surreal, otherworldly setting. It's one of the most beautiful camps on the mountain. Altitude starts to bite here — listen to your body, drink water, and rest well.

• Activity: Acclimatization hike up the ridges
• Habitat: Alpine desert

This is a rest and adaptation day — one of the most important parts of the climb. You’ll do a short hike higher up the slopes, then return to camp. This helps your body get used to thinner air and improves your odds of summiting safely. You're now over 4,000 meters — but you've earned it step by step. You’re stronger than when you started, more tuned in, more focused.

• Distance: ~9 km
• Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert

A long, gradual ascent through a lunar-like desert brings you to Kibo Hut, your base camp for the summit push. The trail is stark and silent, almost like walking on another planet. Rest, hydrate, eat well — and sleep as best you can. Because tonight to just after midnight to you begin the final climb.

• Distance: ~21 km
• Time: 12–14 hours’ total
• Habitat: Arctic → Moorland

You’ll wake around midnight and begin the slow, steep climb up the slopes of Kibo. The trail is cold and dark, but your guide’s encouragement and your own grit will pull you forward. As the sky lightens and the glaciers start to glow, you’ll reach Gilman’s Point (5,685m). From there, it’s another hour along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

Take it in. Breathe. You've done something incredible.

After a short rest at the summit, you begin your descent — all the way down to Horombo Hut, where thicker air and warm food will feel like pure joy.