Kilimanjaro Climb: Rongai Route

6-Day Itinerary

DAY 1: To Simba Camp (First Cave)

1950m to 2880m, 6400ft to 9450ft
About 3-4 hours / 4 miles
Temperatures: high 70's to mid 80's F

Transfer by Land Rover (about 4-5 hours) to the attractive wooden village of Nale Muru. After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

DAY 2: To Second Cave

2880m to 3450m, 9450ft to 11,320ft
About 3-4 hours / 4 miles
Temperatures: low 40's to high 60's F

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

DAY 3: To Third Cave

3450m to 3870m, 11,319ft to 12,700ft
About 4 hours

A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330m.), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. (3-4 hours walking)

DAY 4: To Kibo Camp

3870m to 4750m, 12,713ft to 15,600ft
About 5 hours

Hike to Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night!

DAY 5: To Summit and Horombo Hut

4750m to 5895m, 15,600ft to 19,340ft
About 11-13 hours / 5 miles
Temperatures: mid teens to mid 20's F
(and down to 3720m) and down to 12,200ft)
About 3-4 hours / 6 miles , temperatures: low 50's to high 60's F

Begin the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. Proceed very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (5685m,18,650ft) Rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak, passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, continue the descent to reach the final campsite at Horombo.

DAY 6: To Moshi

3720m to 1700m, 12,200ft to 5500ft
About 5-6 hours / 11 miles
Temperatures: high 40's to mid 70's F

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. 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 or Arusha.

Price

The price includes:

• 2 transfers from Moshi to Rongai park gate -return
• 3 meals per day while trekking - Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian
• 5 days Kilimanjaro trek- Rongai
• 4 nights accomodation in camps while trekking Rongai
• First and Last night accommodations at Standard hotels - Bed and Breakfast
• All park entrance fees and government levies
• English speaking mountain Guide and assistant guides
• Porters- a maximum of 2 per client
• Satellite phones/Mobile Phones

The price does not include:

• Gloves, sun glasses, hats, rain gear, jackets, etc...
• Camping gear like sleeping bags and tents (but these can be hired at a reasonable price)

Recommended tipping guidelines:

• Guides: Between $15 – $20 per guide per day
• Assistant Guide: $12 – $15 per guide per day
• porters: $6 – $7 per porter per day
• Cook: $15 per cook per day