7 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE

Day 01 : Nalemoru Gate (1,990m) - Simba Camp (2,625m)

Distance: 8km

Environment: Montane forest

Time: 3 to 4 hours

After having an early breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Marangu Gate from your hotel in Moshi for registering with the Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA).(You’ll then be taken to the Rongai trailhead by safari vehicle which is 2.5 hours from Managu Gate. The trail starts from the tall cornfields and goes through the pine forest area. The trail ascents gradually and allows hikers to enjoy the surrounding. Midway in the trail, you’ll have your lunch and resume hiking to Simba Camp at 2625 meters where you’ll reach by late afternoon or early evening. Porters and chefs will move ahead of you and reach at the spot earlier to set up the tents and prepare drinking water along with snacks. A hot dinner will be served after washing up. The temperature in here may drop below freezing point, so be prepared!

Day 02 : Simba Camp (2,625m) - Kikelewa Camp (3,630m)

Distance: 9km

Environment: Moorland

Time: 6 to 7 hours

On this day, you’ll be trekking through the heather and moorland zones with views of Mawenzi and the vast Kenyan steppes which are nothing short of picturesque. You’ll enjoy your lunch at Second Cave located at 3450 meters. After taking a brief break, you’ll traverse through undulating terrain and reach Kikelewa Camp. From the camp, you can enjoy incredible views after a strenuous day’s climb and experience its peaceful ambiance.

Day 03 : Kikelewa Camp (3,630m) - Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,310m)

Distance: 6km

Environment: Moorland

Time: 4hours

The typical senecien vegetation will soon disappear and the scenery will become more barren with the occasional rock formations. In good weather you can enjoy the breath-taking views of the Kibo and Mawenzi summits as well as Kenya’s savannah grasslands. After passing a few more rock formations, you will arrive at the Mawenzi Hut. Many climbers rate this as the most atmospheric camp in Kilimanjaro.

Day 04 : Mawenzi Tarn Hut 4,310 meter Acclimatization

We will spend a full day at and around Mawenzi Tarn as part of the acclimatization process. There will be plenty to do, and our crew will help arrange short excursions to explore the area.

Day 05 : Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,310m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)

Distance: 9km

Environment: Alpine desert

Time: 4 to 5 hours

On a relatively easy path, today’s leg takes you over the Kibo Saddle. A lack of vegetation is characteristic for the landscape here as only a few types of grass and other plant species can survive in this dry area and thin air. Just before today’s destination is reached, one last rock passage has to be conquered. Finally you will arrive at the Kibo Hut, where you can relax and mentally prepare yourself for tomorrow’s summit stage.

Day 06 : Kibo Hut (4,700m)-Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - Horombo Hut (3,700)

Distance: 22km

Environment: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Time: 12 to 15 hours

Today is the “big day” – the summit stage. You will start in the middle of the night when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. The long and strenuous trek to the top will begin in the dark. You’ll pass the Hans Meyer Cave at an altitude of 5200 meters after which the hike steepens and goes upward. At or before sunrise, you’ll reach Gilman’s Point at 5715 meters. The memories of colder nights would have erased from your mind by now and soon you’ll reach the Uhuru Peak at 5895 meters. This point is called, “The roof of Africa.” The descending will be done through the same path and you can expect a faster descent as the lava ash will have melted by that time. A warm meal will be prepared and served at Kibo Hut where you can rest for few hours to regain your strength. You’ll leave Kibo and descend down to Horombo Hut at 3700 meters and reach there by afternoon. After an evening meal, it is early to bed for most.

Day 07 : Horombo Hut (3,700m) - Marangu Gate (1,860m) Moshi

Distance: 19km

Environment: Montane forest

Time: 6 to 8 hours

The last stage of the trekking tour all the way to the Mandara Hut will be through the heather and moor zone where you’ll be served with a freshly-prepared lunch. You’ll get into the tropical rainforest zone very soon and after trekking for 6 more hours get back to the gate of Kilimanjaro National Park at 1860 meters. After getting out of the park, you’ll bid adieu to your mountain crew members and transferred to your hotel in Moshi, the rest of the day is free to rest, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement.