6 Days Rongai Route
Day 1: Arrive in Moshi
You will stay at the Hotel, a beautiful Hotel located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and is a perfect place to prepare you for adventure. We will gather at 5:30 pm for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
Day 2: Rongai Camp One
After an early breakfast in hotel, you will drive to the Rongai (Nalemoru) Gate near the Kenya border. We begin our climb on this unspoiled wilderness route. The walk then starts to climb consistently but gently through an attractive forest that shelters various wildlife. The forest begins to thin out, and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. The first day is only a half-day walk. [3-4 hours walking]
Day 3: Kikelelwa Camp
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m.) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our “Upper Kikelewa” campsite is on a small plateau above a sheltered valley with giant senecios past Kikelewa Caves (3,750 m.) [7-8 hours walking]
Day 4: Mawenzi Turn Hut
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at “Mawenzi” (4,300 m.), spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. [3-4 hours walking]
Day 5: School Hut
We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach the “School Hut” campsite (4,750 m.) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! [5-6 hours walking]
Day 6: School Hut to Summit Down to Horrombo Hut
We will start the final and by far the steepest and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m.
We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685 m.) We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to School (4,700 m.) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720 m.). [11-15 hours of walking].
Day 7: Horrombo Hut Down to Marangu Gate
A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m.). [5-6 hours of walking].
Day 8: Departure day
After saying bye to our team in operation then you need a Private departure transfer which is included from Marangu to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight unless you have an option to have Safari or any other option we will discuss.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
- Hotel the night before and the night after the climb. Bed and Breakfast.
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- All Park fees
- Rescue fees by vehicle
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- Porters and cooker
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Summit Emergency Oxygen
EXCLUDED FROM THE PRICE:
- Tanzania Visa
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc
- Meals before and after climb
- Tips and gratuities for guides and porters (recommended to be 10 – 15% of climb costs)
- Personal clothing and mountain equipment