6 Days Rongai route
Overview:
6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro trekking
The scenically attractive Rongai route approaches Kibo from the unfrequented and drier north-eastern side of Kilimanjaro. The tour departs close to the Kenyan border and offers stunning and impressive views over the African savannah and rugged Mawenzi. Just after Mawenzi Tarn Camp, climbers will pass the only mountain lake in Kilimanjaro National Park. The trails are well developed and pass through fir forest, rain forest and alpine desert. Although the Rongai route can generally be thought of as an easy route, the rockier stages in the summit area are sometimes a little more demanding. The decent follows the Marangu route and traverses the lush and green rainforest on good paths. Climbers will overnight in mountain tents during the entire climb.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport you will be greeted by our transfer driver and taken to the nice and comfortable Hotel in Moshi. The rest of the day is for you to enjoy at leisure – relax at the hotel pool or take a taxi and explore the town of Moshi. In the late afternoon you will met by one of our Kilimanjaro team members, who will brief you on your upcoming trek.
Day 2: Moshi – Nalemoru Gate (1,990 m) – Simba Camp (2,625 m)
After breakfast you will be driven around Mt Kilimanjaro to its north-western side and after 3 to 4 hours, you will arrive at the Nalemoru Gate. After the registration process has been completed and your luggage has been divided between the porters, your adventure begins. The path runs alongside mountain farmers’ fields and pine forests before it enters the sparse mountain forest zone, where black and white colobus monkeys can often be seen. After an approximate 3 to 4 hour hike, you will reach the Simba Camp where you will spend the night.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 3: Simba Camp (2,625 m) – Kikelewa Camp (3,630 m)
Today’s trek passes through the heather and moorland zones and the views of Mawenzi and the vast Kenyan steppes are nothing short of grand. You will have lunch at the Second Cave (3,450 m) and after a short break, you will cross the undulating terrain to Kikelewa Camp. This camp boasts with incredible views and after a strenuous day’s climb, you can relax and take in its peaceful ambience.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp (3,630 m) – Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,310 m)
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. For many mountain climbers, it is the most atmospheric camp on the mountain.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,310 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
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 School Hut, where you can relax and mentally prepare yourself for tomorrow’s summit stage. Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 6: Kibo Hut (4,700 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
The climb begins at around 00:00 h and after a 5 to 7 hour walk on frozen volcanic ash, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5,715 m) on the crater’s edge. The sun rays will warm you while you trek for another 1 to 2 hours until you reach Uhuru Peak and finally stand on “Africa’s Roof”. The descent on the now thawed lava ash runs almost along the same route and you will arrive at the School Hut in the late morning. A warm meal will be served and after a well-deserved break, the descent continues to the Horombo Hut.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 7: Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Marangu Gate (1,860 m) – Moshi
After trekking for approximately 5 to 6 hours, you will have managed the easy descent and you will return to the Marangu Gate during the early afternoon. You will say goodbye to your mountain crew and a short transfer will take you back to the Sal Salinero Hotel. Here you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your achievement.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 8: Moshi – Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport or alternatively you can go on safari or extend your stay at the beach
