7 Days Rongai Route
Overview
Daring experienced climbers seeking adventure and challenge will find just what they want on Umbwe. A short steep climb traversing all the climate zones – from tropical rainforest to eternal ice – will test your strength and endurance. Like no other route on Kilimanjaro Umbwe gives a sense of achievement to those who reach the summit. Your first day on the mountain will start from Umbwe Gate and continue with a lengthy trek to the first camp on your way – Umbwe Camp. Despite the challenge that Umbwe poses to hikers, the well-thought-out location of camps will contribute to proper acclimatization. The trek through the Umbwe trail is available only as a 6-day program. Recommended only to experienced hikers in good physical shape, as the Umbwe route difficulty is quite high for inexperienced trekkers.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Lemosho Trailhead to Big Tree Camp
Lemosho Trailhead (7,880 ft) to Big Tree Camp (9,190 ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,310 ft
Distance: Approximately 3.7 miles
This morning you will drive to the Lemosho Gate (Londorossi Gate), where you will complete entry formalities and start the trailhead. From here, your drive continues for around 1 hour to the Lemosho trailhead.
Enjoy lunch before commencing your Mount Kilimanjaro trek through lush, undisturbed forest where you may be lucky enough to see Colobus monkeys.
The path undulates, steeply in places, to arrive at the first camp after 2–3 hours of trekking.
Overnight at Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa)
Day 2 - Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Big Tree Camp (9,190 ft) to Shira 1 Camp (11,650 ft)
Elevation Gain: 2,460 ft
Distance: Approximately 4.3 miles
Your Kilimanjaro climb will begin in the forest; however, you will soon leave it behind, taking a steep track into a zone of giant heather and volcanic rock.
This is a full day ascending the lush, rolling hills below the Shira Plateau. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones.
The trail begins to ease as you reach the edge of the plateau, reaching camp after 5–6 hours. The view of Kibo across the plateau is incredible.
Overnight at Shira 1 Camp
Day 3 - Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Shira 1 Camp (11,650 ft) to Shira 2 Camp (12,650 ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft
Distance: Approximately 4.3 miles
Trek across the Shira Plateau with an optional climb to Shira Cathedral (12,730 ft). Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.
The day finishes with a gradual climb to Shira 2 Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro. Trekking time without the optional excursion is approximately 3 hours.
Including acclimatization to the peak of Shira Cathedral will add approximately 1 hour.
Overnight at Shira 2 Camp
Day 4 - Shira 2 Camp to Moir Huts via Lava Tower
Shira 2 Camp (12,650 ft) to Moir Huts (13,780 ft) via Lava Tower (15,090 ft)
Elevation Gain: 2,400 ft
Elevation Loss: 1,310 ft
Distance: Approximately 8.7 miles
Your climb today will take you steadily up and over the expansive ridge lines of the high desert to Lava Tower. The trek to the base of the tower, a 300-foot-high volcanic plug, takes around 4–5 hours.
From Lava Tower, head northwest as you begin your circuit of Kibo, the almighty summit cone of Mount Kilimanjaro. Moir Huts is an isolated and seldom-used camp, offering sweeping views over the Shira Plateau.
Total trekking time is approximately 6–7 hours.
An alternative route involves a gentle ascent across the alpine desert to Moir Huts in the morning, with the option to spend the afternoon on a guided trek to the nearby Lent Group—a series of wind-eroded parasite cones from which you can gaze down to the plains of Kenya.
Overnight at Moir Huts
Day 5 - Moir Huts to Buffalo/Pofu Camp
Moir Huts (13,780 ft) to Buffalo/Pofu Camp (13,190 ft)
Elevation Gain: 590 ft (via detour to Little Lent Hill – optional)
Distance: Approximately 7.5 miles
Optional Summit: Little Lent Hill (14,350 ft)
Today, you will continue your journey through the striking alpine desert. If you didn’t visit the Lent Group yesterday, consider a short detour this morning to the summit of Little Lent Hill (14,350 ft), offering impressive views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
After this, you’ll rejoin the main trail heading toward Buffalo Camp. The total trekking time today spans approximately 5–7 hours and covers a distance of about 7.5 miles.
Overnight at Buffalo/Pofu Camp
Day 6 - Buffalo/Pofu Camp to Third Cave Camp
Buffalo/Pofu Camp (13,190 ft) to Third Cave Camp (12,700 ft)
Elevation Loss: 490 ft
Distance: Approximately 5.6 miles
Continue your journey, traversing valleys and hiking along ridges, moving through the alpine desert and moorland as you circle toward the east.
This less-frequented route showcases the expansive wilderness of the mountain, offering a peaceful exploration of the natural environment.
The trek also provides a unique perspective on the impressive height of Mount Kilimanjaro. Expect today’s trekking time to be between 5–7 hours.
Overnight at Third Cave Camp
Day 7 - Third Cave Camp to School Huts
Third Cave Camp (12,700 ft) to School Huts (15,580 ft)
Elevation Gain: 2,880 ft
Distance: Approximately 3.1 miles
Climb steadily to reach the saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From here, continue upwards to reach School Hut Campsite in the early afternoon.
The remainder of the day is spent resting and preparing for your summit ascent, which will begin in the early hours of the morning.
Despite the short distance of 3.1 miles, trekking time is approximately 4–5 hours due to the high altitude and steep incline on Kilimanjaro.
Overnight at School Huts
Day 8 - School Huts to Uhuru Peak
School Huts (15,580 ft) to Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft) then descending to Mweka Camp (10,200 ft)
Elevation Gain: 3,760 ft
Elevation Loss: 9,140 ft
Distance: Approximately 7.5 miles (ascent + descent)
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek.
The trail consists mostly of steep switchbacks, with a rocky section known as Jamaica Rocks to scramble over as you approach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (18,880 ft).
The hike from here to Uhuru Peak is gradual and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes it feel long and tiring.
After summit celebrations, descend from the rim at Kilimanjaro Stella Point to Barafu Camp, then straight down to Mweka Hut, with lunch served on the way.
This part of the descent takes about 6 hours, covering new terrain. Enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Overnight at Mweka Camp
Day 9 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Mweka Camp (10,200 ft) to Mweka Gate (6,000 ft)
Elevation Loss: 4,200 ft
Distance: Approximately 4.3 miles
Descend to the gate through lush forest (2–3 hours), looking for monkeys along the way. You will be collected from Mweka Village and taken to your hotel in Moshi.
Overnight at Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel (Premium)
- Included
- Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Two nights’ accommodation in Moshi (before and after the trek).
- Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees, camping fees, and rescue fees.
- Services of a professional guide, porters, and cook.
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Drinking water during the trek.
- Tents, sleeping mats, and camping equipment.
- Daily health check-ups, first aid kit, and oxygen for emergencies.
- Certificate of achievement for reaching Uhuru Peak or Stella Point.
- Not Included
- International flights.
- Visa fees for Tanzania.
- Personal climbing gear (available for rent).
- Travel insurance (including medical evacuation).
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks.
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and snacks.
- Meals and drinks at the hotel.
- Any additional services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary.