Climbing the Kilimanjaro - Rongai Route (6 days/5 nights)
* Please note that 18% of Tanzanian VAT will be added to these rates in the next booking step!
Trek the magnificent Kilimanjaro through the Rongai Route with professional experienced mountain guides, cook and porters and all meals while on the mountain. The hike is for people with a good fitness level and can get challenging in places.
Itinerary:
Moshi - Nale Moru by car and hiking to Simba camp; Height achieved: 2600m; Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours - We drive for about 4-5 hours to the village of Nale Moru (1950m above the sea level), where you will complete the Kilimanjaro park formalities and sign in. You will then start the trek that is initially through some farms and then, pine forest. The track then starts uphill consistently, but easily, through attractive forests in which a variety of wildlife can be spotted. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone, with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. This is the Simba camp where you will stay overnight.
Simba camp to Kikelewa Cave; Height achieved: 3600m; Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours - You will start the hike to Kikelewa caves in the morning; this cave has a very nice view of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields. Overnight is spent at the Kikelewa caves campsite.
From Second Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Camp; Height achieved: 4330m; Trekking time: 3 to 4 hours - After your breakfast, we will start a short but steep climb up grassy slopes with beautiful views of the area. The vegetation ends before you reach Mawenzi Tarn, with spectacular views of Mawenzi peak. You will spend the day acclimatizing and exploring the area.
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut; Height achieved: 4700m; Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours - You will hike for about 4 to 5 hours, passing between Kibo and Mawenzi. The rest of time, you will spend resting in preparation for the last ascent to the peak, which starts around midnight.
Kibo hut to Uhuru Peak; Height achieved: 5895m, Horombo hut: 3720m; Trekking time: 14 hours - You will get up half an hour before midnight and have some tea and biscuits. This is where the hike gets a bit challenging. The first path consists of a rocky track to the Hans Meyer cave at 5150m; we will then take a zigzag path to Gilman’s point at 5681m. From Gilman’s point, you will probably experience snow all the way to the Uhuru peak (the highest point in Africa). You made it! Weather conditions will determine how long you can spend on the summit, taking pictures before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo Hut, where you will have a short rest, collect all your things and descend to Horombohut for your overnight stay; this will take around 3 hours. Total time spent on this day will be around 14 hours, so be prepared for a tough day. In the evening, you will enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a good rest.
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate; Height achieved: 1980m - After breakfast, you will continue your descent, passing Mandara hut to Marangu Gate. At Marangu Gate, the successful climbers will get their certificates. We advise that a tip should be given when all the porters and guides are together and when all your gears have reached the gate. You will have a driver waiting for you at the gate after you have signed out. You will then drive your accommodation in Moshi for a long overdue hot shower and celebrations!
The price includes:
Please see a Kilimanjaro climb packing list.
