Tour Plan:
Arrival and Preparation Day:
Our driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transport you to your hotel in Moshi. Our driver will wait for you, no matter how long it takes for you to clear customs. Once you have checked in to your hotel, we will conduct an equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary gear. If anything is missing, rentals can be arranged.
Your guide from Baest Royal Adventures will then meet with you to conduct a thorough pre-climb briefing, addressing any questions or concerns you may have. For those arriving at night, these activities can be scheduled for the following morning.
Overnight Accommodations: Hotel in Moshi
Transportation Duration: 45 minutes drive to Moshi
Meals: None
Day 1: Begin your trek to Simba Camp
After breakfast at your hotel, our vehicle will pick you up for the drive to the picturesque village of Nale Moru. On the way to the trail, you will stop at the Marangu Gate to complete registration forms before embarking on your hike. The path to Simba Camp is relatively dry compared to other routes, making for a comfortable hike through fields and a pine forest. You will emerge from the trees at Simba Camp and enjoy breathtaking views of the Kenyan plains.
Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (2,650m / 8,695’)
Distance:6 km, 3-4 hours, 652m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 2: Hike through the moorland to Second Cave Camp
After a nourishing breakfast at the campsite, you will continue your climb through the beautiful heather of the moorland. You will notice a change in the vegetation as you leave the forest behind and enter a more open and arid landscape.
As you trek towards Second Cave Camp, you will be greeted by stunning views of the towering Kibo Peak and the rugged eastern ice fields. The unique and mesmerizing scenery of the moorland will keep you motivated and energized throughout your hike.
Upon reaching Second Cave Camp, you will have a chance to rest and take in the surroundings. The campsite sits at an altitude of 3,450m (11,318’), and you will be amazed by the panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. You can enjoy some leisure time at the campsite, acclimatizing to the altitude, and preparing for the next day’s climb.
Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,450m / 11,318’)
Distance: 6 km, 3-4 hours, 800m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Hike to Kikelewa Camp
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll begin your trek through the rugged terrain of the moorland. Today’s trek takes you steadily upward, with increasingly rocky terrain as you approach Kikelewa Camp.
As you climb higher, you’ll have stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. You’ll also notice a change in the vegetation, as the moorland gives way to alpine desert.
After several hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Kikelewa Camp, where you can rest and take in the breathtaking scenery. At an altitude of 3,600m (11,811′), Kikelewa Camp offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the impressive Kibo Peak.
You’ll have some free time at the campsite to rest, acclimatize, and prepare for the next day’s climb. Your guide will likely recommend a short acclimatization hike in the afternoon to aid in your adjustment to the altitude.
At Kikelewa Camp, you’ll be well taken care of by the experienced and knowledgeable guides and porters from Baest Royal Adventures. Your tents will be set up and meals will be prepared for you, so all you have to do is relax and enjoy the incredible mountain scenery.
Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,600m / 11,811′)
Distance: 6.5 km, 3-4 hours, 680m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Trek to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Today’s trek will lead you through beautiful mountain scenery and the impressive Mawenzi Tarn. You will notice a change in vegetation as you leave the alpine desert behind and enter the high alpine zone. The trail will take you through rocky terrain and beautiful heather, as you make your way towards Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
Located at the base of Mawenzi Peak, the campsite offers stunning views of the jagged peaks and the sparkling tarn. Take some time to relax and acclimatize to the altitude, as you prepare for the next day’s climb towards Kibo.
Overnight Location: Camping at Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m / 14,206’)
Distance: 4 km, 3-4 hours, 730m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Cross the Saddle to the Base of the Kibo Crater Wall to Kibo Hut Camp
Baest Royal Adventures invites you to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route. On Day 5 of your climb, you’ll set out on a challenging but awe-inspiring hike across the saddle, the rocky terrain between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, before arriving at the base of the Kibo Crater wall and Kibo Hut Camp.
As you traverse the saddle, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll feel humbled by the vast expanse of the mountainside and inspired by the stunning beauty that surrounds you. The saddle is a special place, and it’s easy to understand why it’s considered one of the highlights of the Rongai Route.
After hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Kibo Hut Camp, located at the foot of the Kibo Crater wall. The camp is busier than the previous ones you’ve stayed at, and you’ll notice a significant increase in activity and energy levels. This is because Kibo Hut Camp is one of the busiest campsites on the mountain, serving as a hub for climbers on different routes. Despite the bustling activity, you’ll have ample time to rest and prepare for your next challenge.
As you head to bed early, it’s important to remember that the most difficult part of your climb lies ahead. You’ll need to wake up around midnight for the final push to the summit. The next day will be challenging, but with the support of Baest Royal Adventures and your experienced guides, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the climb and reach the summit of Africa’s highest mountain.
Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (4,703m / 15,430’)
Distance: 9 km, 4 to 5 hours, 393m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Trek under the stars to Gilman’s Point and reach the summit – Descend to Horombo Camp
Leaving the comfort of your tent in the middle of the night can be tough, but the reward at the end of this climb is worth it. The team at Baest Royal Adventures will ensure you are well-prepared for the low temperatures and the lack of oxygen as you start your journey to the summit. The trek through heavy scree to Gilman’s Point will be a challenge, but watching the sunrise from the top of Kilimanjaro is an experience you will never forget.
After celebrating and capturing the incredible views from the summit, you will start your descent to Horombo Camp, where you can enjoy a more comfortable altitude for your final night on the mountain. The team will guide you through the long trek down and ensure your safety throughout the journey.
Horombo Camp is a lively spot, and you will be able to celebrate your accomplishment with your fellow climbers and the Baest Royal Adventures team. It’s a perfect way to end your journey on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,720m / 12,303’)
Distance: 12 to 16 hours, 21 km, 1195m of ascent and 2175m of descent
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Hike through the rainforest and return to Moshi
Your trail down will be on the southern Marangu Route. You’ll notice a big difference from your climb on the first day, as you’ll notice a lot more people and a lot more mud! There’s a good chance you’ll see monkeys and many types of birds. Your Baest Royal Adventures driver will meet you at the gate for the trip back to Moshi after lunch.
The descent through the lush, green rainforest will offer a different perspective of Mount Kilimanjaro as you make your way down to the base. You’ll notice a lot more people on the trail, which will be a stark contrast to the solitude you experienced during your climb. The descent will be slippery, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
As you make your way down, keep an eye out for the local wildlife, including monkeys and various species of birds. You’ll have the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of the rainforest as you hike through it.
After reaching the gate, you’ll meet up with your Baest Royal Adventures driver who will transport you back to Moshi. You’ll have the opportunity to clean up and relax at your hotel before enjoying a farewell dinner with your fellow climbers and guides.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Moshi (included in your climb package)
Distance: 4 to 5 hours, 20 km, 2000m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Baest Royal Adventures – Departure Day
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, which is included in your climb package. Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward journey. If you have booked a safari, we will typically leave just after breakfast. Please note that checkout time at the hotel is 10am, but if you have a flight departing later in the day, we will do our best to arrange a late checkout for you or a day room if you desire.
Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes’ drive to Kilimanjaro Airport
Meals: Breakfast
End of Climb.
The Trekking Price Includes:
- Accommodation in Moshi one night before and one night after the trek (B&B plan) check out time is 10:00 hrs (late check out charge is $65).
- Return Airport Transfers -To and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
- Private toilet tent(s) — 1 tent for every 7 climbers (not used on Marangu Route).
- All government fees and Taxes for the National park.
- All meals and water while on the mountain.
- All salaries for guides, assistant guides, chef, porters.
- Return Transport to and from the park gate.
- Oxygen for altitude sickness emergencies.
- All camping equipment (tents, tables, chairs, cooking equipment, dining tent, mattress… everything but your sleeping bag.)
The Trekking Price does not Include:
- Sleeping bag – please bring your own or rent one from our equipment rental shop.
- Clothing & equipment listed on the climb packing list.
- International flights & Visas.
- Travel Insurance (we require all clients to have medical and evacuation coverage).
- Mountain climb staff tips.
- Meals not in hotel plan or climb package.
- Drinks and dining rooms tips.
- Personal travel and baggage.
- Telephone bill.
- Laundry bills.
- Any items of a personal nature.
