DAILY ITINERARY

DAY 01: Kilimanjaro Airport – Marangu Hotel

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be met by a Rocky Africa Experience driver and transferred to Marangu Hotel, located on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. Marangu Hotel will serve as your base for run preparation and orientation.

Accommodation: Marangu Hotel

DAY 02: Relaxation & Farm Tour (Coffee & Banana Plantation)

• Morning: Welcome and orientation meeting, followed by a farm tour.
• Light run to explore the village and mountain trails.
• Lunch & Afternoon Rest: Free time to explore the farm, swim in the Moonjo River waterfall, or relax with a cup of locally grown and roasted coffee.
• Evening: Dinner and briefing on run logistics.

Accommodation: Marangu Hotel

DAY 03: Marangu Gate to Rombo Camp

• Starting Point: Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Entrance Gate
• Route Highlights:
  • Cross dozens of streams & rivers
  • Navigate steep gorges
  • Keep Mawenzi Peak (Kilimanjaro’s second peak) on the left & Kenya’s Tsavo National Park on the right
• Challenge Level: Very difficult first day

Distance: 32 km
Elevation Gain: +1,798 m
Elevation Loss: -1,733 m
Accommodation: Rombo Camp

DAY 04: Rombo to Rongai Camp

• Terrain: Drier northeast flank of Kilimanjaro
• Scenic Highlights:
  • Fewer deep gorges & settlements
  • Possible sightings of colobus & blue monkeys
  • Sections along a paved road bordering Kenya

Distance: 31 km
Elevation Gain: +1,086 m
Elevation Loss: -902 m
Accommodation: Rongai Camp

DAY 05: Rongai to Larangwa

• Changing Landscape:
  • Forest begins to thin
  • Dry, rocky terrain
  • Passing Maasai settlements
• Wildlife: Possible sightings of animals migrating from Amboseli National Park
• Nighttime Views: Camp overlooks Amboseli, with the only lights from stars and distant safari lodges

Distance: 38 km
Elevation Gain: +532 m
Elevation Loss: -1,077 m
Accommodation: Larangwa Camp

DAY 06: Larangwa to West Kilimanjaro Camp

• Morning Route: Exit sparse landscapes
• Highlight: Running past Legumishera Hill, a sacred local site
• Forest Edge Section: Pass between Kilimanjaro National Park & farmland
• End of the Day: Arrive at Simba Farm, an original European farm in Tanganyika Territory
• Sunset View: Mount Meru in the distance

Distance: 31 km
Elevation Gain: +780 m
Elevation Loss: -778 m
Accommodation: Simba Farm

DAY 07: West Kilimanjaro to Lukani Camp

• Longest run of the journey
• Route Highlights:
  • Steep ascent into the forest reserve
  • Hot, dry lowlands
  • Final climb back into the lush southern Kilimanjaro slopes

Distance: 44 km
Elevation Gain: +1,660 m
Elevation Loss: -1,756 m
Accommodation: Lukani Camp

DAY 08: Lukani to Mweka Camp

• Most challenging day:
  • Steep ridges & valleys
  • Arabica coffee farms & traditional irrigation systems
• Cultural Aspect: Each village primary school has its own uniform color

Distance: 42 km
Elevation Gain: +2,513 m
Elevation Loss: -1,466 m
Accommodation: Mweka Camp

DAY 09: Mweka to Kidia Camp

• Historic Significance:
  • First European settlement in Kilimanjaro region
  • Original church & mission station still intact
• Cultural Aspect:
  • Each mountain ridge is either Lutheran or Catholic, based on missionary influence
• Extreme Elevation Changes:

Distance: 25 km
Elevation Gain: +1,658 m
Elevation Loss: -1,647 m
Accommodation: Kidia Camp

DAY 10: Kidia to Marangu Gate

• Final Stretch: Running just outside the national park boundary
• Unmatched Views:
  • Villages below
  • Spectacular panoramic views of Kilimanjaro
• Finish Line: Return to Marangu Gate – Congratulations, you ran around the Roof of Africa!
• Celebration: Jump into the river, take a hot shower, grab a cold beer – or all three!

Distance: 22 km
Elevation Gain: +1,061 m
Elevation Loss: -982 m
Accommodation: Marangu Hotel

MARANGU HOTEL STAY – REST & RECOVERY

• Day for relaxation & recovery at Marangu Hotel
• For departures: Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport
• For extended stays:
  • Continue your Tanzanian adventure
  • Start a safari or Kilimanjaro climb
  • Depart for Zanzibar
  • Or simply enjoy another night at Marangu Hotel