Arrival in Tanzania

Kilimanjaro International Airport - Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Hilbas representatives will greet you, provide transportation to your hotel for refreshing showers, comfortable accommodations, a briefing, and gear checks. Any necessary equipment rentals will also be arranged.

Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 1900m/6270ft to 2626m/8665ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 6 hours.
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest

The driver will collect you from the hotel at Marangu Gate for registration, while guides and porters prepare the equipment. Following this, the driver will transfer you to Rongai Gate/Nalemuru, a journey of about 3 hours. Lunch will be provided en route or at the gate before commencing your climb. The hike begins at Nalemuru village, with a winding path through maize, beans, and potato fields, entering a pine forest, and gently ascending through a forest home to diverse wildlife, including Black and White colobus and Blue monkeys, Baboons, and various flower species. This is the head tent route. Dinner will be served in your mess tent, and you will camp in the Moorland area.

Simba Camp to Second Cave to Kikelelwa Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 2626m/8665ft to 3600m/11880ft to 3450m/11385ft
Distance: 12 km
Hiking time: 7 hours.
Vegetation Zone: Moorland

After breakfast, the hike continues slowly through the moorland to the second cave, where lunch will be served. Post-lunch, the hike proceeds slowly southeast across small paths in the moorland, heading towards Mawenzi’s peak. The campsite is located in a sheltered valley.

Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 3600m/11880ft to 4300m/14190ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 6 hours.
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert

This day involves a short but steep hike up grassy slopes. At the summit, enjoy magnificent views from a different perspective of the National Park and Mawenzi Peak. Arrival at Mawenzi Tarn Hut is in time for lunch, with the afternoon free to explore the surrounding area and acclimatize.

Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 4300m/14190ft to 4720m/15576ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 6 hours.
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, the journey continues west through the Saddle and Lunner desert, situated between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The trek to Kibo Hut takes 5 to 6 hours. Depending on your pace, lunch may be packed and eaten en route or enjoyed hot at Kibo Hut. The dry route offers spectacular mountain views. An early dinner will be served at Kibo Hut before retiring for the night.

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 4720m/15576ft to 5895m/19453ft to 3720m/12276ft
Distance: 21 km
Hiking time: 15 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert/Arctic zone/Moorland.

This is a special day as your dream comes true. The guide will wake you around 11:00 pm for tea and biscuits. The summit attempt begins at midnight, following a switchback path up a volcanic scree slope, passing William point (5000m/15000ft) to Hans Meyer Cave (5200m/17000ft), an ideal resting spot for refreshments. After a brief pause, the journey continues to Gillman’s point (5681m) on the crater rim. This section is steep with stone scree, demanding physical and mental effort. From Gillman’s point, witness the sunrise above the cloud line, illuminating the plains below—a breathtaking sight. A bit further around the crater, the ultimate goal is reached.

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 3720m/12276ft to 2720m/8976ft
Distance: 19 km
Hiking time: 8 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland/Rainforest.

This is another significant day. After an early breakfast, the descent begins, passing through Mandara Hut before reaching Marangu Gate. The route traverses the moorland to the rainforest, where many birds, tall trees, flowers, and other interesting sights can be observed. The journey concludes at Marangu Gate, where all hikers must sign out to receive completion certificates. A Hilbas tours driver will transport you back to the hotel, passing through coffee and banana farms around Marangu villages.

Departure from Tanzania

Chanya Lodge - After an early breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your departure flight home.

• Two hikers shared a tent on Mount Kilimanjaro (except for solo climbs).
• 3 standard meals a day on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
• All our guides hold Wilderness First Aid certifications.
• All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery, etc.)
• Transportation from the hotel to Kilimanjaro National Park and back to the hotel.
• Medical kits
• All drinks on the hike (Coffee, tea, Milo tea, water, etc).
• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp masters, porters, cooks, etc.).
• Vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, halal, and other meal plans are available
• Two nights in the hotel, before and after climbing, - 2 guests per room (except for solo climbs)
• Guides, porters, waiters, cook’s accommodation, Entry fees on the mountain and Salaries
• Transportation from JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport) for pick-up and drop-off.
• All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park, -Camping fees, Vehicle fees, Rescue fees.
• Oxygen cylinders and Oximeters
• Professional / Experienced English-speaking Mountain guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park.

• Flight Tickets.
• Tanzania visa and travel insurance
• Personal gear (hiking clothes and footwear, sleeping bags, etc.) is available for rent.
• Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, souvenir money)
• Tips for the crew.
• Single accommodation at the hotel and in a tent is available at an extra charge

The Rongai route is highly recommended for climbing Kilimanjaro during the rainy season, as it experiences significantly less rainfall compared to the southern routes. Also known as the Nalemuru route, it is the only path that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border.

The Rongai route provides an authentic wilderness experience in the initial stages of the ascent. It is ideal for those seeking an alternative to the busy Marangu route, desiring a more secluded trek, or climbing during the rainy season (as the northern side receives less rain).

Our professional climbing team ensures your safety and comfort. The skilled local team will impress with their culinary abilities, and the porters will handle all mountain equipment. Guides will lead the way, sharing insights about the mountain, as well as the culture and history of Tanzania.

Our package includes accommodation before and after the climb, along with airport transfers.

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.