After your long flight, rest assured that comfort awaits you at Chanya Lodge in Moshi, where you'll spend your first night. If you've opted for our airport pickup service, our friendly Driver will be waiting at Kilimanjaro International Airport to greet and escort you to your hotel. Take this opportunity to unwind and relax after your journey as your adventure in Tanzania begins.

Approximate driving time: 1-2 hours to your Lodge in Moshi
Accommodation: Chanya Lodge
Meals included: Dinner.

A 3-hour drive brings your team to Rongai Gate (1,950 m / 6,398 ft) near the Kenyan border — the start of the mountain's northern approach. After registration, the trail enters the northern forest zone, a habitat noticeably drier than the southern slopes, with different tree species and a quieter, more untouched atmosphere. Wildlife sightings — including buffalo — are possible in this zone. As the forest thins, the trail emerges into moorland with dramatic views northward across the Amboseli plains of Kenya. Simba Camp (2,625 m / 8,612 ft) is a scenic first overnight, with the open sky of the north and the silhouette of Kibo visible above.
 

Distance: ~7 km / 4.5 miles

Camp: Simba Camp (2,625 m)

Today's ascent climbs through heath and moorland, with Mawenzi Peak becoming increasingly prominent ahead — the jagged secondary cone of Kilimanjaro, visible here from the north in a perspective few climbers ever see. The route passes through increasingly open terrain, with wide views and the distinct feeling of genuine remoteness. Second Cave Camp (3,450 m / 11,319 ft) is a well-positioned overnight at the edge of the upper moorland, with excellent views back across the Kenyan plains.
 

Distance: ~9 km / 5.6 miles
Duration: 5–6 hours
Altitude gain: +825 m
Camp: Second Cave Camp (3,450 m)

A shorter trekking day designed to allow the body more time to acclimatise at altitude. The trail continues through the alpine desert zone, with volcanic rocks and hardier plant species as the last vegetation zones are left behind. After arriving at Third Cave Camp (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), your guide leads an acclimatization hike to higher elevation before returning to camp for the
night — the classic altitude management approach that gives Rongai its reputation for a steady, considered ascent.

Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles
Duration: 3–4 hours main trek
Camp: Third Cave Camp (3,800 m)

The final approach to Kibo Hut (4,700 m / 15,420 ft), Kilimanjaro's summit base camp. Today's trek is steady and deliberate, crossing the barren, windswept terrain of the upper mountain. Altitude is now felt clearly — breathing is more conscious, energy more carefully managed. Arrival in early afternoon allows maximum rest time before midnight. Dinner at 5:00pm. Lights out immediately after. Wake up at 11:30pm.

Distance: ~10 km / 6.2 miles
Duration: 5–6 hours
Altitude gain: +900 m
Camp: Kibo Hut (4,700 m)

Midnight departure. The Rongai Route shares the final summit approach with the Marangu Route: a long, steep zigzag up volcanic scree to Gilman's Point (5,681 m) on the crater rim, then a traverse to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft) — the highest point in Africa. Your guide monitors your condition throughout the ascent. The pace is slow and steady. Sunrise at the summit on a clear morning reveals a 360-degree panorama across Tanzania and Kenya that no photograph fully captures.
Descent continues through Kibo Hut, and all the way down to Horombo Hut (3,720 m) via the Marangu Route for overnight — a long but rewarding descent through the changing altitude zones.
 

Ascent: ~6–8 hours
Descent: ~5 hours

After breakfast at 07:00 hours, we gather for the important 'Tipping Celebration', expressing our gratitude to the hard-working guides and porters who have supported us throughout the journey. Then, we bid farewell to Horombo Huts and commence our descent towards Marangu Gate at 1,970 meters. Around midday, we pause at Mandara for a cooked lunch before continuing our descent. The gate is typically reached by 16:00 hours, covering approximately 20km/12miles over 5 to 7 hours of walking time. At Marangu Gate, you'll receive your well-deserved certificate, a cherished memento of your remarkable achievement. From there, we return by vehicle to Moshi town, where your lodge awaits for an overnight stay and some well-deserved relaxation. Alternatively, if energy permits, feel free to celebrate your incredible feat—you've just conquered Africa's highest mountain.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Journey time and Altitude: 6-7 hours’ walk from Horombo Hut 3720m to Marangu Gate 1970m, then return by vehicle from Marangu to Moshi town
Walking distance: 20km/12miles

Accommodation: Silent Hill Hotel

On your departure day, bid farewell to the majestic Kilimanjaro International Airport, reflecting on the incredible journey you've experienced. Alternatively, if you're up for more adventure, consider continuing with another exciting activity in Tanzania, such as a safari in the Serengeti, exploring the cultural richness of Zanzibar, or embarking on a thrilling wildlife safari in one of Tanzania's renowned national parks. Whatever you choose, your Tanzanian adventure promises to be unforgettable.

Approximate driving time: 1.5 Hours to Kilimanjaro International  Airport
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch