day-day itinerary
Day 1: Nale Muru Gate – Simba Camp
The expedition begins with a scenic drive to the Rongai Gate (1,950m) in the village of Nale Moru. After park formalities, we enter the northern forest zone. Unlike the dense rainforests of the south, the northern side is characterized by thinner forest and cypress plantations, offering a drier start to the trek. The three-to-four-hour walk is gentle and serves as an excellent introduction to the mountain. We conclude the day at Simba Camp (2,625m), where you can enjoy views across the Kenyan plains as the sun sets.
Day 2: Simba Camp – Second Cave Camp
We depart Simba Camp and continue our steady ascent into the moorland zone. The terrain is open and provides clear views of Kibo’s northern face. The five-to-six-hour trek leads us to the Second Cave (3,450m). This area is less traveled than the southern routes, providing a sense of true wilderness. Our guides utilize this afternoon to monitor your heart rate and oxygen levels, ensuring that your body is adapting to the 3,400-meter mark before we move higher into the alpine desert.
Day 3: Second Cave Camp – Kikelewa Camp
The trail continues upward, traversing the moorland toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The three-to-four-hour trek leads us to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m), situated in a sheltered valley. This shorter day is intentionally designed to allow for physical recovery. Our guides lead an optional afternoon walk to higher ground to further stimulate acclimatization. The scenery here is dramatic, with the glaciated peak of Kibo on one side and the rocky spires of Mawenzi on the other.
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp- Mawenzi Tarn
Today’s trek is a short but steep climb to the Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m). This camp is uniquely situated in a cirque beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. By reaching this altitude on day four, we provide your body with a vital “acclimatization spike.” We arrive by lunch, leaving the afternoon free for rest or exploration of the surrounding ridges. This night at 4,300 meters is the “Alizeti Secret” to Rongai success; it prepares your system for the high-altitude desert crossing that follows.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut
We depart Mawenzi Tarn and cross the lunar landscape of “The Saddle,” the high-altitude desert that connects Mawenzi and Kibo. This five-to-six-hour trek is relatively flat but physically demanding due to the altitude and the exposure to the elements. We arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700m) by early afternoon. This is our base for the summit attempt. Our guides assist in organizing your gear and conduct a final health check. An early dinner is served at 5:00 PM to ensure you get several hours of sleep before the midnight departure.
Day 6: Kibo Huts – Summit– Horombo Huts
The summit push begins at midnight. We navigate the long, zigzagging scree slopes of the northern face. This is the most challenging section of the Rongai Route. We reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (5,685m) as the first light of dawn appears. From here, we continue the 1.5-hour traverse around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). After celebrating at the summit, we descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest, then continue the long descent to Horombo Huts (3,720m) on the southern side of the mountain.
Day 7: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Moshi
The final day is a long but rewarding descent from Horombo Huts to the Marangu Gate. As you move back through the moorland and into the rainforest, the increasing oxygen levels provide a natural boost to your energy. The six-hour walk is a time to share stories with your fellow trekkers and guides. At the gate, you will receive your official summit certificates, green for Gilman’s Point and gold for Uhuru Peak. We conclude the expedition with a celebratory lunch before providing a private transfer back to your hotel for a well-deserved celebration.
