MT. KILIMANJARO – RONGAI ROUTE
Kilimanjaro, or Mount Kilimanjaro, is a dormant volcano located in Tanzania, East Africa, and the continent’s most famous mountain. It is the highest peak in Africa, rising to an impressive height of 19,341 feet above sea level, making it one of the most iconic and sought-after summits for mountaineers and adventure enthusiasts. For more, tap “Read on.”
Read on...
It’s pretty unusual to have multiple route options when climbing a mountain but Kilimanjaro is a pretty unusual mountain. Luckily, you won’t have to choose between all of them because we’ve narrowed it down for you to just two — Lemosho for the fall and Rongai for the spring. If a fall climb is your best option, head on over to the page for the Lemosho Route.
Rongai is an awesome choice for a spring climb – and really, the only one that makes sense. Spring is the rainy season in this part of Tanzania; the Rongai route is the only one that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border, where the precipitation is significantly lower.
We chose the Rongai route for a couple of reasons. First, it’s considered one of the easiest ways to climb Kilimanjaro. Being one of the easiest, however, doesn’t mean that it’s easy. Climbing the highest peak in Africa is a major undertaking, no matter the route!
The Rongai route offers a more steady, gradual climb than the other routes, and doesn’t have some of the more technical hiking challenges that some routes offer. This makes it a great option for those with a little less experience.
Although this route is gaining popularity, it’s still one of the more remote routes – which we think is a good thing. If you’d prefer to climb Kilimanjaro with throngs of people, Rongai isn’t for you.
Finally – and a big selling point for us – is that you may even see wildlife on the Rongai route. Most of the route is through true wilderness areas, and because it’s on the north side of the mountain, you’ll have great views over the Kenyan plains where large mammals can be found. This makes the climb that much awesome-r!
If you are lucky enough to encounter some of Kilimanjaro’s wild animals along the route, don’t worry — your guides will keep you at a safe distance for viewing so that you may enjoy this astounding natural environment.
This 7-day itinerary offers you the acclimatization time needed to lessen your chances of altitude sickness. You even have a full rest/acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn to ensure you are generating the red blood cells necessary to fuel your body properly at altitude.
Summit day is challenging, but it’s the reason you come here. So prepare for it, embrace it, keep your eye on the prize, and celebrate with your team after you’ve achieved your goal.
At a glance...
Country: Tanzania
Group size: Minimum of two (2)*
Duration: 10 days/ 9 nights
Distance: Roughly 47 miles
Activity: Trekking
Travel style: Guided
Difficulty grade: Challenging (See details below)
Comfort: Various (tented cots, hotels)
*If the minimum number of trekkers for this departure is not reached, the trek can proceed as a solo for an additional $950. Please indicate your interest in this possibility on the booking page.
This departure must be booked at least 60 days in advance. The registration deadline is 3/9/25.
Read about the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project in the trek details below.
Gallery
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Rongai Route- 2025 Departures
- May 8-17, 2025
KILIMANJARO – SPRING trek details
- Highlights
- More about Kili
- KPAP
- Included
- Not included
- Travel insurance
- Difficulty
- What we ask of you
- After you book...
- Summit the highest mountain on the African continent without any special equipment – except your two feet.
- Spend 7 days on the mountain, providing you plenty of time to acclimatize and giving you the best chance of success.
- Experience the “wilderness route” with a slow and steady ascend to the top of the mountain.
- Look for wildlife on the Kenyan plains that are visible from the trail.
- Hike this lesser-known and more remote, quieter trail for an authentic Tanzanian trek.
- Enjoy days before and after your climb in a relaxing Moshi hotel with a pool and generous Tanzanian service.
Kilimanjaro is composed of three distinct volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo is the tallest and is the main peak that climbers aim to summit. Mawenzi is the second-highest peak and is known for its rugged and dramatic rocky cliffs, while Shira is the oldest cone and has a broad plateau.
Kilimanjaro is known for its breathtaking beauty and unique ecological zones that change as climbers ascend the mountain. The lower slopes are covered with dense rainforests, which give way to moorland characterized by heather and grasses. Above the moorland, the landscape transitions into an alpine desert, with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. Finally, the summit is a snow-capped peak that is often hidden in clouds, with glaciers and ice fields covering the summit plateau.
Kilimanjaro is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including endemic species such as the Kilimanjaro tree hyrax and the Kilimanjaro shrew. The mountain also serves as an important catchment area, providing water to local communities and supporting diverse ecosystems.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenging endeavor that requires proper acclimatization, physical fitness, and determination. Reaching the summit is a rewarding and awe-inspiring achievement, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and an incredible sense of accomplishment. Climbers must be prepared for changing weather conditions, altitude sickness, and other challenges associated with high-altitude trekking. Proper planning, preparation, and Hobnail’s experienced guides are essential for a safe and successful climb of Kilimanjaro.
With its stunning scenery, unique ecological zones, and iconic status as Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro offers an unforgettable adventure for those who dare to conquer its majestic summit. Standing atop the “Roof of Africa” is an accomplishment that will be cherished for a lifetime, and the challenges and rewards of the journey are what make it a truly remarkable experience. So, lace up your boots, pack your gear, and embark on an extraordinary expedition to Kilimanjaro, knowing that you’re in good hands with Hobnail.
Hobnail’s team in Tanzania is a qualified partner of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) and the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC) Partner for Responsible Travel Program. This means that we voluntarily participate with, and are closely and independently scrutinized by, KPAP’s monitoring activities every climbing season to ensure that our hard-working mountain crew are treated properly and have appropriate working conditions. With Hobnail, you can be sure that you are climbing with an ethical and conscious outfitter.
The exploitation and mistreatment of mountain crew can be a troubling challenge in the climbing industry. It is a possibility that porters may:
- Receive less than the minimum salary set by the Kilimanjaro National Park stakeholders
- Pay a bribe to be selected for a climb
- Not receive the full amount of tip intended for them
- Be given only one meal a day
- Sleep in overcrowded tents
- Carry weight exceeding the park regulations of 20kgs
When climbing Kilimanjaro or Meru, our porters are paid more than cheaper companies (nearly 3 times as much) and are expected to carry the weight regulation, meaning that the appropriate number of porters are used for the climb. This incurs more expenses but makes for a better climbing experience for everyone concerned.
We provide plenty of food for the crew to eat, proper tents with adequate sleeping space, and check the gear of the crew before the climb to make sure they have the proper kit. We also provide hospital and health care for any crew members who might get sick or injured on the mountain. Our climbing teams are highly motivated and geared up to do everything in their power to help you reach the summit and we have a high success rate due to this. We believe that people come to Kilimanjaro to reach the summit rather than be on the mountain for the least amount of money.
Climbers who are unfamiliar with these practices may unknowingly book with operators who misrepresent themselves to be fair and socially responsible. All local climbing companies operating on Kilimanjaro and Meru are invited to participate with KPAP/IMEC’s Partner Program and there is no cost to the company. In a very competitive market with over 300 local operators offering Kilimanjaro treks, only a small percent have been certified as partners with KPAP/IMEC. Costs are always an important factor in choosing a climbing company. Sadly, the reality is the lower the costs, the much higher the probability that an outfitter is not adhering to fair and ethical standards. As a result, well-meaning individuals and organizations inadvertently become part of the exploitation of these hard-working men and women on the mountain.
As an active KPAP/IMEC Partner company, not only do we believe it is the ethically correct choice to do as a business, we feel it is important to educate the climbing public on these issues and how they can ensure that they are not a part of these abuses. Many companies falsely claim to be approved KPAP/ IMEC Partner companies. As a KPAP/IMEC partner, KPAP independently monitors each climb we operate. They do this by selecting one of their porters to participate in each of our climbs and to score us on our ethical performance regarding porter welfare on the mountain.
- Hobnail Trekking Co. long-sleeve trekking shirt and ball cap
- Custom Hobnail mobile app
- Lots of freebies
- Opportunities to get to know your fellow trekkers include an invitation to a WhatsApp group for your trek, group training hikes if trekkers live in proximity to each other, and other local social gatherings
- Three nights double occupancy (unless single occupancy is selected at time of registration) accommodation at a 4* hotel in Moshi (two nights prior to trek, one night after trek)
- Breakfasts at hotel in Moshi
- Rundugai Village cultural immersion experience, including guide and village development fees
- Kikuletwa Hot Springs visits, including picnic lunch
- All Tanzanian taxes and levies
- Pre-trek meeting in Moshi to go over final details and check all gear to ensure safe climb
- Transfers to/from Moshi and National Park Gate
- All Kilimanjaro National Park, Camping, and Rescue fees
- All meals during climb, including hot lunches on the mountain where possible
- Resupply of fresh and nutritious food ingredients during the climb
- Portable Katadyn water filter
- Walk-in sleeping tent (double occupancy)
- Cot beds for tent
- Extra thick or extra sleeping pads for maximum comfort
- Sleeping bag, liner, and pillow for tent
- Portable Mountain Toilet (1 for every 5 trekkers)
- Dining tent for meals at camp
- Extra treats during the climb
- Group first aid kit
- Oxygen cylinder (1 for every 5 trekkers) and oximeter
- Local, English-speaking head mountain guide who holds Wilderness First Responder certification
- Assistant guide(s) (English-speaking) and cook(s) throughout the climb
- One female guide or porter (as available) per trek to support women in the industry in Tanzania
- Porter service throughout the climb
- Salary, insurance, food/lodging/travel for lead guide, assistant guide(s), cooks(s), and porter(s)
- Flying Doctor Emergency Medical Evacuation cover (15 days, covers Tanzania, Kenya, and Zanzibar) – does not take the place of your travel insurance
- Contribution to tree planting in the Kilimanjaro region; this effort to plant indigenous trees in the region helps to combat the effects of deforestation on the mountain
- Celebratory beer and soda with the entire team before leaving Kilimanjaro
- Luggage storage in Moshi
- Trekking certificate, documenting your accomplishment
- The company of new friends and the experience of a lifetime
- Travel insurance (see the Travel Insurance section on this page for details)
- International flights
- Tanzania visa ($100)
- Transfer to/from Tanzania International Airport and Moshi (we can arrange this for you)
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone, internet, drinks, and souvenirs/personal purchases
- Lunches and dinners while in Moshi
- Entry fees for sightseeing attractions in Moshi and surrounding areas, unless part of included tour
- Personal trekking equipment like hiking boots, clothing, etc. (arrangements can be made for trekkers to rent this equipment if needed/required)
- Tips/gratuities for mountain crew (a very important part of the custom on the mountain – we’ll give you guidance on this)
- Extra porter(s) for excess gear ($30/porter/day)
- Other tips in Moshi, including at the hotel (we’ll provide guidance on this, too)
- Any expenses incurred during rescue or evacuation that are not covered by insurance
- All extra expenses incurred in case of an early descent, including but not limited to additional gate transfers, food and accommodations in Moshi, etc.
- Covid-19 testing, if required
OK, here’s where we get serious. Hobnail requires that all trekkers purchase travel/medical insurance that covers them properly for all trekking activities.
There are a lot more details you need to know about travel insurance than we want to put in this limited space — including stuff about trip cancellations and what company we recommend — so when you’re ready, pop over to our Travel Insurance page.
We rate this trek as “intermediate to challenging” in difficulty.
For a trek classified as “intermediate”, you should expect 3-7 hours of hiking
What makes Kilimanjaro “challenging” is the summit night, where you will be hiking for about 10 hours at high altitude in arctic conditions. Hey, if it was easy, everyone would do it.
We consider our treks to be adventures, not vacations. We’re not Hobnail Vacation Company, after all! Don’t get us wrong; we like vacations as much as the next person, but with our treks, you need to be physically and mentally ready. Here’s what we ask of you:
- You thoroughly read all the information we send you prior to departure.
- You get yourself an accountability partner and train properly. This doesn’t mean doing a few squats two weeks before departure.
- You familiarize yourself with your gear prior to leaving. Practice adjusting your backpack, filtering water if necessary, etc.
- If you purchase new boots, they are broken in well in advance of departure.
- When on trek, you FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF YOUR GUIDE. His or her only concern is helping you achieve your goal safely and in good health, but this won’t happen unless you follow their advice. This includes – but is not limited to – food recommendations, speed of pace, when to sleep and when not to, when to walk and when to rest, when to turn around due to illness, etc.
- When on trek, you treat your guide and the locals you encounter with the utmost respect. We are guests in their country and very grateful to be there.
All of these things may seem like common sense — and they are — but we feel that we must mention them. Hobnail’s goal is to provide you with the best experience possible, and you have an important role in achieving that goal.
A few days after registering for a trek (with a deposit of at least $1,400), we’ll give you a quick call to say hello and answer any initial questions you may have. If you use WhatsApp, we’ll add you to a group with your fellow trekkers so that you may interact with them, and possibly your guide, before departure. You’ll be able to post questions in the group anytime you’d like, talk about the cool gear you’re planning to take with you, organize group hikes if you live near each other, and generally just get to know those who will be sharing this incredible experience with you.
Within the first weeks after your trek is confirmed, you will receive a Welcome Box from us. It contains stuff that you can use during training as well as on the trek itself, and some other just fun things to get you (even more) excited about your trip.
You’ll also receive a login to our Hobnail app, which is full of great information including a day-by-day schedule, nearby points of interest, beautiful photography, and yet another way to contact us – through its messaging service. As your trip gets closer, we will load your flights and other more specific information into the app so you’ll feel even more secure in knowing where you’ll be staying and even how to get around the airports you’ll travel through.
The closer you get to your trek, the more you’ll hear from us — but of course, you can reach out any time you have a question.
Optional post-trek safari!
Tap to open safari details!
You’re not going all the way to Tanzania without going on safari, are you? Yeah, we didn’t think so.
We’ve worked with our team in Tanzania to put together an incredible, yet affordable, safari that will only extend your trip by 3 days and will fit seamlessly into your existing Mt. Kilimanjaro itinerary. Even your boss would understand why you need to be away a little longer.
Instead of heading for the airport on the last day of your trip, you’ll be picked up at your hotel at 8 am by your Hobnail Tanzania safari driver to begin your exploration of Tanzania’s large game, beautiful birds, and fascinating insect life.
The first day of your safari extension includes two 3-hour game drives — one during the day and one after the sun has gone down. This will give you a full opportunity to see animals that thrive during daylight hours as well as the ones that come out primarily at night. Under the stars of the Tanzanian sky, the night sounds of the park create a surreal experience that will tickle all of your senses.
You’ll stay in safari lodges (think: the ultimate in “glamping,” with mesh screens surrounding your thatch-roofed wooden-floored hut while you sleep soundly in a real bed on a real bedframe with an en suite bathroom and hot shower) for both nights of your safari because, well, it’s what you do on safari.
When you wake up the next day, you’ll enjoy a morning game drive where you can see the animals that rise with the sun and start their day early.
You’ll be driven to the town of Mto Wa Mbu (“river of mosquitos”), where you’ll observe a mix of Tanzanian tribes and cultures living alongside each other peacefully. A local guide will walk you through the backstreets of the town where you can observe the daily life of the people living here. You’ll also have the opportunity to buy handcrafted items directly from the artisans, supporting them rather than the gift stores that sell over-priced inauthentic crafts to tourists.
After walking the village you’ll enjoy a wholesome lunch cooked with local spices and indigenous ingredients in a traditional method by the local women associated with the Mto Wa Mbu Cultural Tourism Program community.
Falling asleep once again to the sound of the Tanzanian wildlife, you’ll wake refreshed and ready for today’s epic game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater. The entire Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides a glimpse into how people lived in harmony with nature and wildlife in ancient times all across the globe.
The Crater itself is the ultimate place for seeing wildlife. The world’s largest intact caldera, it’s almost 2,000 feet deep and covers close to 300 square miles. It contains over 20,000 large animals, including Tanzania’s remaining critically endangered black rhino. You’ve got a good chance of seeing the “Big Five” (African elephant, lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, and rhinoceros) in this natural enclosure and you’ll hate to leave.
But alas, you will, enjoying a picnic lunch en route to the airport in time for your late-night international flight back home. Aren’t you glad to decided to stay a few more days?
If at least two people book this extension, your cost is $1,690. You can do it without others booking as a solo safari-er for an extra $800 (a total of $2,490). You can book this safari extension in the booking form when registering for your Mt. Kilimanjaro trek. (Longer safari options are available, too. Just ask us for details.)
What happens if my trek is not confirmed?
If the minimum number for the trek you booked is not reached before the 60-day booking deadline, you have the option of completing the trek as a solo trekker. We don’t mean you’re out there on the mountain by yourself – you’ll still have a guide and a full crew, but no other trekkers will be hiking with you.
If this isn’t appealing, you will be eligible for either a refund or to transfer your deposit to another trek. See details HERE.
Our Mobile App
When you book, we send you the login credentials to your own, customized app. By departure, your app will contain your flight info, passport, travel insurance docs, and COVID info, as well as your full itinerary, points of interest, and other amazing stuff.
TREK ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN MOSHI
Welcome to Tanzania!
You’ll arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where your Hobnail driver will be waiting to transport you to Moshi, about a 90-minute ride.
Once you arrive at your hotel, take some time to settle in and get some rest. Meals today are on your own. We’re happy to provide some recommendations if you’d like.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi
DAY 2: KIKULETWA HOT SPRINGS AND PRE-CLIMB BRIEFING
Wake up to the sounds of Tanzania this morning, and enjoy breakfast at the hotel before today’s outing.
At around 9 am, you’ll be picked up by a member of Hobnail Tanzania and transferred to Kikuletwa Hot Springs, a hidden paradise within the dry semi-desert landscape near the town of Boma N’gome.
Approximately 22 miles outside of Moshi, the mesmerizing crystal-clear 20-foot pool of water emerges from underground thermal springs and is surrounded by tropical wild date palm trees and enormous fig trees. While swimming in this picturesque oasis, you’ll have a blast observing Tanzania’s incredible birdlife and giggle at the resident primates carrying out their usual antics. Get your relaxation on before you begin tomorrow’s journey to the top of Africa.
Leaving the hot springs, you’ll head back to Moshi via villages where the Maasai, Pare, Chagga, Kamba, and Nyiranga communities live. You will stop at Rundugai village for several hours of immersion in authentic Tanzanian culture.
First, you will enjoy a delicious traditional hot lunch cooked by the local women. Once you’ve devoured your meal and thanked your hosts and cooks, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the village through the Rundugai Cultural Tourism Program. This program offers a glimpse into daily life experiences, and each day is different. You may be visiting the Maasai market, trying banana beer, visiting a farm field to see what is grown and eaten locally, meeting with weavers, learning about traditional treatments from an herbalist or midwife, or whatever other activity happens to be going on that day in the village.
Later in the day, you’ll have a pre-climb mountain briefing and thorough gear check with your head mountain guide, who will want to be sure you’ve got everything you need to be entirely outfitted for the climb. If anything is missing or inadequate, you’ll have time to either purchase or rent it from local gear providers.
Your gear is not a place to skimp. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a major undertaking, and you’ll want to be sure you’ve set yourself up for success. That said, don’t overpack, either! If your duffel weighs more than 33 pounds, you’ll have to pay for an extra porter to carry your bag.
Dinner tonight is on your own. Eat early and get to bed as you’ll need the rest to prepare for your climb.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 3: MOSHI (2,700 FT) TO RONGAI GATE (5,900 FT) TO SIMBA CAMP (8,400 FT)
Fuel up at breakfast, because your climb begins today!
Your morning begins at 8 am when you board private transportation for a scenic 2-hour drive on tarmac and rough roads from your hotel in Moshi to the northern side of Kilimanjaro, near the Kenyan border.
The Rongai Gate is located in the village of Nale Moru on the lower farming slopes of the mountain. While you’re waiting for your permits to be issued, you’ll observe the activity of the climbing operations as different mountain crews prepare for the journey ahead. It’s quite a fascinating dance they do to make sure their trekkers are safe.
Once you’ve got your permits, your own journey begins. Starting the hike through a pine forest, you’ll soon enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and winding trails while you listen to your guide tell you about the local flora and fauna, as well as the wildlife you may encounter during the climb. You’ll have great views out across the Kenyan plains, where you may see some big wildlife before reaching your first camp.
At lower elevations, this trail can be muddy and quite slippery. Make sure you’ve got good hiking boots and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles in this section of the trail.
Activity: 4 hours
Distance: 4.5 miles
Terrain: Rainforest
Overnight: Simba Camp
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
DAY 4: SIMBA CAMP to KIKELEWA CAMP (11,800 FT)
Today you’ll hike through the moorland zone of the mountain. Fuel up!
As you steadily gain elevation, you’ll notice superb views of Kibo Peak (you’ll be there soon!) and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim. Eventually leaving the main trail for a smaller path, you’ll walk towards the jagged Mawenzi Peak before descending into the valley to the Kikelewa Caves, where camp will be set up for your overnight.
You will notice that already, the temperature has begun to drop. You’ll be okay, though — you’ve prepared for this.
Activity: 6-7 hours
Distance: 7.5 miles
Terrain: Heather Moorland
Overnight: Kikelewa Camp
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
DAY 5: KIKELEWA CAMP TO MAWENZI TARN (14,200 FT)
Today is a relatively short hike but steep hike up grassy slopes. What you lack in distance, you’ll make up for in elevation climbed.
But it’ll be worth it. From your new vantage point, you’ll get some of the most iconic views of the mountain itself, as well as the Kenyan plains where you may be able to see wild game graze.
Your camp will be set up at Mawenzi Tarn, at the foot of the cirque, and directly beneath, the towering, jagged spires of Mawenzi. This is one of the most spectacular places to set camp and you’ll have the rest of the day to relax or explore the area and the incredible geography it offers.
Activity: 4 hours
Distance: 4 miles
Terrain: Alpine Desert
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY AT MAWENZI TARN
Today is a critical day for your well-being on the mountain. Although technically a “rest day”, you will take a few acclimatization hikes exploring the base of Mawenzi Peak and taking a short walk to the Mawenzi Ridge. This will help you build red blood cells and prepare your body for higher elevations.
Mawenzi used to be a place for extreme rock climbing but has since been closed due to the high possibility of rock falls. When you see this area where people used to climb, you’ll understand why we prefer to keep our feet firmly planted on the ground.
You’ll have another night to enjoy Mawenzi Tarn Camp tonight before continuing on tomorrow morning.
Activity: 1-2 hours
Distance: 1 mile
Terrain: Alpine Desert
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
DAY 7: MAWENZI TARN TO KIBO CAMP (15,400 FT)
This morning you’ll be motivated by a spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi Tarn as the light cascades through the jagged spires of Mawenzi Peak. Recharge with this view.
When your guide tells you it’s time to leave camp, you’ll depart your home base for the last two nights and cross the lunar-like landscape of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. It’ll feel like it takes forever, but this long flag walk will help you conserve your energy for tomorrow’s summit climb. Enjoy the process.
Once arriving at Kibo Camp, relax as much as possible (your nerves will be hard to calm down), eat well, and go to bed early. Your push for the summit starts around midnight!
Activity: 5-6 hours
Distance: 6 miles
Terrain: Alpine desert
Overnight: Kibo Camp
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
DAY 8: KIBO CAMP TO SUMMIT AT UHURU PEAK (19,349 FT) TO HOROMBO HUT (12,200 FT)
Today is summit day/night!
You’ll be awakened early — around midnight — to begin your summit ascent. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek, but you’re ready for it.
Following the moonlit path, you will zigzag your way up the loose volcanic scree slope. This part of the climb is the steepest and most demanding so it’s nice to get it out of the way early. The wind and temperature at this elevation, as well as the fact that it’s still dark, make this very challenging. But again, you can do it. This is what you’ve prepared for and dreamed about.
It’ll take about 5 hours (with a lot of short breaks along the way) to reach Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft), where you’ll have awesome views of the eastern ice fields. There’s a great photo opportunity here by the famous wooden marker. Don’t miss it!
Continuing on, you’ll ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point (18,815 ft) on the crater rim, where you’ll be rewarded for your efforts so far with the most magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi Peak, illuminating the entire plain while you take a short rest. Faster hikers may observe the sunrise from the summit, but there’s no reason to rush.
Leaving Stella Point, you’ll hike the remaining hour around the crater and up to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the African continent, where you will be awestruck by stunning views of the spectacular glaciers still illuminated by the sunrise. Take a few special moments to relish this achievement and take in the incomparable views that surround you. Absorb the moment with both your eyes and your camera, because this will be an experience you’ll never forget.
After these precious minutes have passed, you’ll start descending to Horombo Hut, your camp for the night, stopping for a hot lunch and short rest at Kibo Hut along the way.
Take some time tonight to get to know the entire crew who helped ensure you had a safe journey up the mountain. Many of them you may not have met yet on a personal level, and now is the time to do that.
You will sleep GREAT tonight. Enjoy your last starlit night on the mountain and dream of incredible summit vistas.
NOTE: We strongly recommend wearing gaiters and using trekking poles to help you securely navigate loose gravel, volcano ash terrain, and unpredictable weather, especially on this leg of the trek.
Activity: 4-6 hours to the summit, 4-5 hours back down
Distance: 4 miles to the summit, 10 miles back down
Terrain: Arctic Glacier
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
DAY 9: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE (6,000 FT) TO MOSHI
Enjoy your last breakfast on the mountain this morning before continuing your descent to Marangu Gate, stopping for a hot lunch at the Mandara Huts along the way.
At Marangu Gate, you will collect your certificates and say goodbye to your crew. You’ll participate in a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with them before hopping into a vehicle that will take you back to your hotel in Moshi.
Once back at the hotel, you will have a long-anticipated and well-deserved hot shower as well as a warm, comfortable bed. If you wake up in time for dinner (on your own), you’ll have plenty of options – and we’re happy to provide suggestions.
NOTE: Tipping is a significant part of mountain climbing culture on Kilimanjaro and we recommend tipping the crew once you arrive back at Marangu Gate, before saying goodbye. We will share guidance on this practice so you’ll know what to expect.
Activity: 5-7 hours
Distance: 12.5 miles
Terrain: Rainforest
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 10: DEPARTURE
Tears will be falling into your Tanzanian coffee this morning as you lament the fact that you’re leaving this incredible place. We feel you.
Make the most of your final hours here. Get any last-minute shopping done and thank your hosts for their kindness.
You’ll enjoy breathing the additional oxygen in the air and the superpower you feel from all those additional red blood cells you’ve created.
Hobnail staff will transport you to the airport in plenty of time for your international flight. Safe travels home!
GENERAL INFORMATION
Do we climb or do we hike?
We hike. All of Hobnail’s treks are designed for those who have a great pair of worn-in hiking boots and are ready for epic adventures. No climbing equipment or technical experience is needed for any of our destinations. Although summiting Kilimanjaro is usually called a “climb” rather than a “hike” or “trek,” is no different than our other treks — you can walk all the way to the top without climbing gear.
why is spring a good time to climb kilimanjaro?
Generally speaking, summer and fall are the best months to climb Kilimanjaro because that’s when there is the least amount of rainfall. While there’s always a chance of rain on the mountain, it’s generally the driest time of the year. Most trekkers would stay clear of the mountain in the spring because it’s the rainy season on Kilimanjaro.
Unless you are taking the Rongai route, that is.
This option is great for the spring because it takes you up Kilimanjaro from the northern side where the precipitation is lowest and you can safely make the climb – even while it’s the rainy season on the rest of the mountain. And because it’s not traditionally the best time to climb, you won’t encounter a lot of other trekkers on the mountain at that time of year.
We think it’s perfect.
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Rongai Route- 2025 Departures
- May 8-17, 2025
