Day 1: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)
This morning we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.
Distance covered:8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 4-5 hours
Overnight at Simba Camp
Day 2: Simba Camp (2625m) to 2nd Cave Camp (3480m)
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi
Approx. time taken: 3 – 4 hrs
Overnight at 2nd Cave Camp
Day 3: 2nd Cave Camp (3480m) to Kikelelwa Camp (3630m)
Leaving the pine forest behind we carry on with a steady ascent walking though moorland. There are superb views of the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanoes which form the mountain. We will leave the main trail and strike out across moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the second of Kilimanjaro volcanoes. We will set up camp today in the sheltered valley near Kikelelwa caves at 3630m
Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi
Approx. time taken: 3 – 4 hrs
Overnight at Kikelelwa Camp
Day 4: Kikelelwa Camp (3630m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)
This morning we have a short but steep ascent up grassy slopes which is rewarded by a superb view of the Kenyan plains to the north. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut directly below the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. This afternoon you have chance to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 4-5 hours
Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Hut
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
We leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo After a couple hours trekking, reach this spectacular place, with the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background and our trail to the high camp stretched out before our eyes. Upon reaching our camp the remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation of the final ascent after a very early night!
Distance covered:8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 5-6 hours
Overnight at Kibo Hut
Day 6: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut
Distance covered:22km / 13.7mi
Approx. time taken: 12-15 hours
Overnight at Horombo Hut
Day 7: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.
Distance covered:20.8km / 12.9mi
Approx. time taken: 7 hours
Drop off at your hotel in Arusha/Moshi
Included:
Park fees, camping & rescue fees
18% VAT on tour fees & services
All the necessary camping facilities
Transportation to & from the mountain gate
Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
3 meals daily while on the mountain
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour
Excluded:
Flights
Tips to mountain crew
Items of a personal nature
Laundry Services
Personal necessary climbing gears
Airport transfer service (can be arrange for extra $$)
Hotel accommodation before and after climb (can also be arranged)
