CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO RONGAI ROUTE 6 DAYS

Drive from hotel to Rongai gate, and hike to Simba camp

Rongai Gate (2,020m/6,627ft) to Simba Camp (2,600m/8,530ft)

Hiking distance: 6km

Hiking time: 3–4hrs

Mountain zone : Montane Forest

Overnight: Simba Camp (All meals included)

Today we will drive about 3 hour from hotel in Moshi to Rongai gate for registrations and collect entrance permit. You will have lunch and meet your Kilimanjaro crew, after hiking will start through crossing village of Nalemuru fields of maize and potatoes before entering the Montane forest. The climb is consistently and gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife like blue monkeys and black and white Colobus Monkeys. You will reach the first campsite at the edge of rain forest and overnight.

Simba Camp (2,600m/8,530ft) to Second Cave (3,450/11,319ft) to Third Cave (3,800m/12,467ft)

Hiking distance: 13km

Hiking Time: 4-6 hrs

Mountain zone : Moorland

You continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As you ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the first Cave, then second Cave for hot lunch before proceeding to third Cave. The view of Kibo Peak is amazing.

Overnight: Third Cave Camp (All meals included)

Trekking to Kibo Hut Camp

Third Cave (3800m/12,467) – Kibo Camp (4,720m/14,930ft)

Hiking Distance: 12km

Hiking Time: 6-7hrs

Mountain zone : Alpine Desert

The steady ascend continues, soon reaching the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo. You should reach Kibo Camp at elevation of 4,720m by midday. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final rewarding ascent the following day.

Overnight: Kibo hut (All meals included)

Summit day , Hike from kibo hut to Uhuru peak

Kibo Camp (4,720m/14,930ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) descend to Horombo (3,720m/12,205ft)

Hiking Distance: 16.5km

Hiking Time: 11hrs up and down

Mountain Zone: Ice Cap

A very early start as you set off by the light of our head-torches, on a zigzag trail on rough volcanic scree. It is a tough 5 to 6hrs climb of almost 1000 Meter to the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685m), which is a convenient point to rest and watch the sunrise on Mawenzi. It is a further 2-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa. Usually in the early morning, the conditions are clear and there are panoramic views over the crater, to Mawenzi and Mount Meru (4565m), looking very small below us. This part of the route takes us through a moonscape of volcanic rock and remnant glaciers with their impressive ice cliffs. After admiring the summit views and taking the obligatory summit photos we pat ourselves on the back for this awesome Achievement. you then retrace your path around the crater rim you make a rapid descent to the Kibo Hut (4700m). You will have lunch here, before setting off on the long descent to your camp at Horombo (3720m). A long day trekking – but so rewarding.

Overnight: Horombo Hut Camp (All meals included)

Descend to Marangu Gate 1800m /5906ft

Horombo Camp (3,720m/12,205ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,906ft)

Hiking Distance: 19km

Descending Time: 6-7hrs

Mountain Zone: Montane forest

As you descend from Horombo, you begin to encounter more vegetation and the lower part of the route is through pine forest. We pass the traditional first camping place on the Marangu Route at the Mandara Huts and continue our descent to the Marangu Gate (1800m).

You will say fond farewell to our trusty guide, staff and the porters who have helped us during the past week and pick up our certificates of ascent, you will have hot Lunch with our Mountain Crew before transfer to our hotel.

For the climbers who do have a flight to catch, we will drive back to hotel for quick shower and short rest before you are transferred to the respective airport for your inbound or outbound flight.