8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking & Summit Adventure
Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking & Summit Adventure
Ascends Mount Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. The Rongai route retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness. This the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. It’s truly one of the more remote and wild trails on the entire mountain. Despite that however, this route offers trekkers plenty of advantages, making it a very appealing option for those looking for a unique experience on Africa’s tallest peak.
Included/Exclude
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- All activities mentioned.
- Meals (as specified)
- All accommodations mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrades)
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation [Pop up roof 4by4 - Land Cruiser]
- All Taxes/VAT
- International flights (from/to the client's home country)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips: tipping guideline of US$ 10.00 per person per day for the guide and crew Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
Depart Nairobi via Emali along the scenic Rongai Route. The 4-hour drive passes savannah landscapes and Maasai settlements, with views of Mount Kilimanjaro as you approach Loitokitok. On arrival, check in at Kimbo Slopes Cottages, relax, enjoy dinner, and settle in for an overnight stay at the foothills of Kilimanjaro.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 2000- 2650m/ 6560-8700ft.
Distance: 6km/4 mins (3-4hrs)
Habitat: Montane Forest
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Accommodation: Simba Camp (Kilimanjaro) Budget Camping Near Mount Kilimanjaro
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 2650- 3450m/ 8700-11,300ft
Distance: 6km/4 mins (3-4hrs)
Habitat: Habitat Moorland.
The morning hike follows a steady ascent through alpine terrain to the Second Cave. The trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kibo peak and the Eastern Ice Fields lining the crater rim. Along the way, enjoy clear mountain air, unique vegetation, and excellent photo opportunities before pausing at the cave to rest and take in the dramatic Kilimanjaro landscape.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 3450-3880m/ 11,300-12,700ft
Distance: 9km/5 mins (2-3hrs)
Habitat: Semi-desert.
Today’s hike continues from the Second Cave to the Third Cave along the Rongai Route. The trail ascends gradually through alpine desert terrain, offering wide views of the surrounding plains and Kilimanjaro’s rugged slopes. The walk is steady and scenic, allowing time to acclimatize while enjoying the quiet, remote atmosphere before reaching the Third Cave for rest and overnight.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 3880-4750m/ 12,700- 15,600ft
Distance: 5km/3 mins (3-4hrs)
Habitat: Alpine desert.
Today you hike to Kibo Hut, located at the base of Kibo’s crater wall. The trail crosses a stark alpine desert with dramatic volcanic landscapes and expansive views. On arrival, you settle into the hut, hydrate, and rest for the remainder of the day. Early dinner and sleep are essential as you prepare for the final summit ascent starting very early the next morning.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 4700-5895m/ 15,500- 19,340ft
Down: 3700m/ 12,200ft
Distance up: 6km/4 mins.
Distance Down: 15km/ 9mins
Habitat: Alpine desert.
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am) commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing we now ascend to Uhuru Peak which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly and an optimistic attitude will get you there.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Our driver will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
Accommodation: Brubru Lodge Mid-range Lodge, Moshi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, depart for the return journey to Nairobi. Enjoy a scenic drive through rural landscapes and local towns, with brief stops along the way. You will arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon, marking the end of the trip.
Accommodation: No
Meal Plan: Breakfast.
| Start dates | Solo | 2+ people |
| Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026 | $2,805 | $2,805 |
| Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027 | $2,805 | $2,805 |
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