6 Days 5 Nights Rongai Route Mt Kilimanjaro Climb

Day 1 : Rongai Gate (1950m) To 1st Caves Camp (2600m)- 8km /4-5hrs- Forest (Montane)

After breakfast depart for  Marangu park gate for register, after which you transfer (approximately 2 ½ hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through beautiful country. The first night’s camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 metres. There is a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just down the trail below First Cave.

Day 2 : 1st Cave (2600m) To Kikelewa Cave (3600m) -7km/6-7hrs- Moorlands

The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find some.Dinner and overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves).

Day 3 : Kikelewa Cave (3600) To Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) – 4km/3-4hrs Moorlands

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.

Day 4 : Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) To Kibo Hut (4700m)-4km/4-5hrs- Alpine Desert

Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Dinner and overnight will be at Kibo Camp.

Day 5 : (Summit) Kibo Hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)- 4 Km Up/ 14 Km Down 8-6 Hours-Alpine Desert

You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone screed, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route.

Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight.

The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Day 6 : Horombo To Moshi-3700m To 1700m-18km, 5-7 Hours

After breakfast, A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2700m / 8858 ft), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. Continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1830 m / 6004 ft). At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).  A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your Hotel in Moshi. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

End Of The Trek