7 Days Rongai Route Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure

Starting on the journey to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro is an experience like no other. On the first day, we depart from Moshi, driving through the lush coffee plantations and NaleMuru village, until we reach the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Here, we wait patiently for our permits while observing the hustle and bustle of the crews preparing for the journey ahead. As we begin our climb, we are surrounded by the natural beauty of the rainforest, with its winding trails and diverse flora and fauna. Our destination for the day is Simba Camp, located at the edge of the moorland zone, offering breathtaking views of the plains of Kenya.

After a restful night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we continue on our journey towards the Second Cave Camp. As we climb through the moorland terrain, we catch glimpses of the majestic Kibo and the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The shrubbery thins as we approach the Second Cave, and the temperatures begin to drop.

The third day of our journey takes us from Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp through the semi-desert terrain. We continue our ascent, drawing closer to the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, and the Eastern ice fields. We must remain vigilant of altitude sickness and inform our guide of any symptoms.

On the fourth day, we embark on a short but steep climb up grassy slopes, rewarded with stunning views. Our destination is Mawenzi Tarn, situated in a cirque beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. We have the afternoon to rest or explore the surrounding area, aiding in our acclimatization.

The fifth day is the most challenging, as we cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo, arriving at Kibo Campsite at the base of the Kibo crater wall. We rest in preparation for the final ascent on Summit Night.

The sixth day begins with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. We make our way to the summit, passing between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the sense of accomplishment ahead. We ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, rewarded with a magnificent sunrise during our rest. From here, we make our way to Uhuru Peak, encountering snow all the way. We have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa.

On the seventh and final day, we begin our descent, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch before arriving at the Marangu Park Gate to receive our summit certificates. We bid farewell to our guides, cooks, and porters, and make our way back to Moshi, reflecting on the incredible journey we have just completed.