6 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE

Day 1: Drive to Rongai – to Simba Camp

After breakfast we drive you to Rongai on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro on his Northern slopes and the trailhead five miles outside of town. From the Park entrance you start the climb passing through pine forest and a short stretch of mountainous rainforest until we reach the heather and moorlands. It is about a 4-5 hour walk to Simba Camp at approx. 2625m but we advise people to go very slowly. The forest teems with bird life and colobus and other monkeys may be seen. Lunch and dinner included.

Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Moorland

Continue through the forest, eventually encountering the moorlands just below a large lava overhang known as Second Cave. Here we have lunch, then traverse the open moorlands toward the spectacular peak of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second major peak rising. Our second overnight is at Kikelewa Camp at 3630 m, shortly before reaching the saddle that connects Mawenzi to Kibo and Uhuru peaks. (5-6 hours hiking.) All meals included.

Day 3: Mawenzi Tarn Hut

After an early rise you proceed your climb through increasingly barren landscape with occasional rock formations. If weather permits breath-taking views towards Kibo and Maweni can be enjoyed, as well as toward the Kenyan grasslands. Reach Mawenzi Tarn Hut at 4310 m in the afternoon for some hours of rest and relax. For many climbers this part of the climb is the nicest one. All meals included.

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Kibo Hut

Proceed climbing on a relatively easy stretch to Kibo Saddle in dry and thin air and barren landscape where only few types of grass species survive. Mountain vistas are fabulous as you emerge onto the saddle between glacier-covered Kibo and rock-crowned Mawenzi Peaks. These mountain views alone are worth the effort of the trek. You will arrive by lunchtime and have the afternoon to rest up for the summit attempt the following day, overnight at Kibo hut at 4700m all meals included

Day 5: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut

This is the hardest day of the climb. Your summit attempt starts around midnight. After a challenging hike of some 5-7 hours on frozen volcanic ash you reach Gilman’s point and usually see a spectacular sunrise as you stand above the clouds. From here another 1 – 2 hours walk will take you to Uhuru Peak (5895 m) the highest part of the African continent. A quick photo session and then you descend down to Kibo Hut for a warm meal and a well-deserved break. Then you take your descent Horombo Hut at 3720 m. All meals included.

Day 6: Horombo Hut –to Park Gate

Descending across the moorland and into the forest to Mandara Hut, a walk of about 3 or 4 hours and the last stretch of 2 hours through the rain forest to Marangu Gate. After bidding our farewells to our guide and porters, we’ll take you to Arusha.