Overview

The Rongai Route is your gateway to the majestic Kilimanjaro, the continent's highest peak. As you prepare to conquer this iconic mountain, allow us to introduce you to the Rongai Route, a path less traveled that promises a unique and captivating journey. Step into a world of rugged terrain, diverse ecosystems, and the thrill of scaling the Uhuru Peak, all while experiencing the enchantment of the Rongai Route.

Itinerary

Day 1

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, 6km/4miles

We will give a briefing about the details of the trek, our guides will check your trekking gear before we depart. Then the adventure begins with a 2 hour drive where stop at the Marangu Gate, where we register ourselves and get our permits. We drive then throughout the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru, where you start your hike.
On a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes, we ascent before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through tropical forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the Simba Camp at 2650 meter, is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Day 2

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, 6km/ 4 miles

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the second cave where we come across the open moorland, with excellent views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. We stay over the night at Second Cave at 3450 meter, where we eat our fresh well deserved dinner.

Day 3

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours, 9km/5 miles

After breakfast we head out across the moorland, on a smaller path towards the peaks of Mawenzi. Here the views will start open up and feel the great impact of this mountain. We reach the 3th cave in a sheltered valley with giant senecios nearby, Kikelewa Camp is our stop for today. We take in this beautiful setting at 3600 meter, and take a good night sleep!

Day 4

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, 6km/4 miles

This morning we start with a short but steep climb up grassy slopes, its rewarded by outstanding views. It’s time to leave the vegetation behind and reach the next campsite. Mawenzi Tarn at 4330 meter is spectaculary situated in the cirque directly below the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
If you are spending 8 days on the mountain, you will stay over for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.

Day 5

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, 9km/5miles

The trek continues across the lunar desert, on the east side of the Kibo where we crossing “The Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo . It taks up to 5 hours to reach Kibo campsite on 4750 meter at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The rest of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and acclimatize the body.

Day 6

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up to summit 6 km/4 miles and descent 15km/9 miles down

After midnight around 2 am in the morning , we begin our climb to reach the summit. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. On a steep and heavy scree with snow we will reach Gilman’s point (5861 meter), located on the crater rim. We continuing our trek of 2-4 hours to ascend Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views take made this climb worth it! Have your picture taken at the summit, this will be a life long lasting memory. From here we descend and stop over for lunch and rest at Kibo hut, before continuing on to the Horombo encampment to overnight.

Day 7

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, 20km/12.5 miles

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest paths to the Marangu National Park gate. A vehicle will be waiting for you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. Here all hikers that reach the summit will get an official well earned certificate!

What's Includes

• High quality mountain sleeping tents
• 2 Nights accommodation (hotel Panama,Moshi)
• Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
• All Park fees
• Rescue fees
• All meals while on the Mountain
• Arrival and Departure transfers
• Quality Mess tents with table and chairs:
• Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food:
• Clean, purified drinking water:
• Crisis management and safety procedures:
• Fair and ethical treatment of porters:
• Sleeping Mattress

What’s not included

•  Tanzania Visa: $50 / $100 (American residents) per person on arrival at airport
•    Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
•    Meals not listed above
•    Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
•    Tips and any items of personal nature.