The 8 day Rongai “daytime summit” route is a variation of the 7 day Rongai route with the following change. It shortens the summit day by beginning the summit bid in the daytime and returning and staying at Kibo Hut (instead of going to Hormobo Hut). This variation eliminates the midnight summit attempt, which is typically very cold and windy, but uses an additional day to complete the descent.

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, experiencing low crowds. This is a moderately difficult route and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.

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8 DAY RONGAI (DAYTIME SUMMIT) ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave

We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.

DAY 2 – Rongai Cave to Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave

We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.

DAY 3 – Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.

DAY 4 – Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.

DAY 5 – Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

DAY 6 – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

In the morning light, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We ascend for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Upon reaching the crater rim, you arrive at Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), with the summit within striking distance. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we return to Kibo Hut, where we celebrate our achievement and enjoy a well-earned sleep.

DAY 7 – Kibo Hut to Horombo Hut

We make our descent on a gentle path down to Horombo Hut, which is situated in the moorland zone. Later in the evening, we have our last dinner on the mountain.

DAY 8 – Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.