6 Days Rongai Route

Day 2: From Hotel to Rongai Gate to Simba Camp Site.

Our guide will meet you at the hotel in the morning and transport you directly to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, which takes approximately 3-4 hours. Along the way, you will pass through the Marangu village, known for its lush cultivation zones with an abundance of banana trees. The Chaga tribe, which resides in this area, considers banana as a staple food. The drive will continue through the villages of Rombo and Tarakea until we reach the Rongai gate, which marks the beginning of our ascent. At the gate, we have a designated area for our clients to rest while completing registration and weighing of luggage. Once finished, we will be ready to embark on our hiking adventure.

• RONGAI GATE -1950M/6398Ft
• SIMBA CAMP -2600M/8530FT
• ALTITUDE GAINED -650M/2132FT
• DISTANCE -7KM/4.3
• HIKING TIME -3-4HOURS
• CLIMETIC ZONE – Mountain forest
• DIFFICULT -EASY

Our hiking journey begins today as we pass through fields of maize and potatoes before entering a pine forest. As we continue to climb gently, we will be surrounded by the beauty of the forest which shelters various wildlife such as the striking colobus monkeys and blue monkeys. The forest will gradually thin out as we approach the moorland zone, where the first campsite is located. From there, we will be treated to stunning views of the Kenyan plains. Our overnight stay will be at Simba Camp.

Accommodation: mobile tent(camping)
Meals: evening tea, dinner and breakfast.

Day 3: From Simba Camp to Kikelelwa Camp.

• Simba -2600M/8530Ft
• Kikelelwa -3600M/11811Ft
• Altitude Gain -1000M/3281Ft
• Distance -10Km/6.2Mls
• Hiking Time -6/7Hours
• Difficult -Yes

Today is a long day. after breakfast we start to a steady ascent to the second cave camp (3450m/11319ft) Where we will have lunch with superb view of kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of mawenzi. our campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant scenarios to kikelelwa where we will overnight.

Accommodation: mobile tent camping
Meals: evening tea, dinner and breakfast.

Day 4: From Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Turn Hut.

• Kikelelwa -3600M/11811Ft
• Mawenzi Turn Hut -4330M/14206Ft
• Altitude Gain -730M/2395Ft
• Distance -6Km/4Mls
• Hiking Time -3/4Hours
• Difficult -Easy

On this day, we embark on a brief yet challenging ascent up grassy inclines, and our efforts are generously compensated with breathtaking panoramic views and a genuine feeling of being immersed in the wild. As we advance towards Mawenzi Tarn Camp, the vegetation dwindles and gives way to a more austere landscape. Here, we’ll enjoy a delectable dinner and spend the night in mobile tents, relishing the raw beauty of the surroundings. Our meals will consist of a hearty dinner and a satisfying breakfast the following morning.

Day 5: From Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut

• Mawenzi Tarn Hut -3600M/11811Ft
• Kibo Hut – 4700M/ 15419Ft
• Altitude Gain -11Oom/3608Ft
• Distance -10Km/6Mls
• Hiking Time -5/6Houser
• Difficult – Medium
• Climate Alpine Desert

Following a nourishing breakfast, we set off towards the west, continuing our ascent along the eastern slopes of Kibo Peak, as we traverse the saddle linking Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. It is crucial to keep hydrated along the way, and we recommend drinking plenty of water upon arrival at Kibo Hut. This is especially important as you prepare your body for the high altitude you will encounter during your midnight ascent to the summit. After lunch, we advise our clients to take ample time to rest and prepare for the final push, which commences around midnight.

Accommodation: mobile tent
Meals: lunch, dinner and breakfast

Day 6: From Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

• Kibo Hut – 4700M/15419Ft
• Uhuru Peak – 5895M/19341Ft
• Horombo Hut – 3720M/12204Ft
• Atitute Gain – 1195M/3922Ft
• Altitude Loss – 2175M/71307Ft
• Distance – 22.3Km
• Hiking Time- 15Hours
• Difficult – Yes
• Climate – Arctic To Moorland

At around midnight, you’ll wake up to a cup of tea and some biscuits, preparing for the most challenging part of the hike. The initial leg of the journey entails navigating a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), which serves as an excellent pit-stop to hydrate before pushing on. The trail then ascends sharply in a zigzag fashion to Gillman’s Point (5681m), situated at the crater rim. This section is highly demanding, with a lot of loose stones, necessitating significant physical and mental exertion. It is highly recommended to take it slowly (pole pole in Swahili). From Gillman’s Point, you’ll typically encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.
The duration of your stay atop the summit, capturing the stunning sunrise and celebrating, will hinge on the prevailing weather conditions. After that, you’ll begin the three-hour descent back to Kibo Hut, where you can take a brief rest before descending another three hours to Horombo Hut, your overnight stop. The return journey to Horombo Hut may seem surprisingly quick compared to the ascent. Later in the evening, you’ll indulge in your last dinner on the mountain, followed by a well-deserved slumber, filled with indelible memories and stirring emotions.

Accommodation: mobile tent (camping)
Meals: evening tea, dinner and breakfast

Day 7: From Horombo to Marangu Gate

• Horombo Hut -3720M/12204Ft
• Mandara Hut- 2700M/8858Ft
• Marangu Gate -1830M/6003Ft
• Altitude Gain -1890M/6201Ft
• Distance -18Km/11Mls
• Asceding Time -6-7Hours
• Diffeculit – Easy But Long
• Climatic Zone -From Heather To Mountain Forest

This day marks the longest of our descent. Following breakfast, we’ll begin our descent through the moorlands, passing by Mandara Hut and traversing the mountain forest. Around noon, upon arrival at the gate, your mountain crew will celebrate your achievement with singing and dancing, hailing you as heroes who successfully summited the top of Africa. You will also be presented with mountain certificates, acknowledging those who reached the summit. After tipping the mountain crew, you’ll be transported to Moshi town for lunch. Following lunch, you’ll be transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 8: Kilimanjaro Airpot

On this day, you have the option to be transferred to the airport for your homebound flight or connect to another destination, such as a day trip, safari with Rashad Adventure, or a beach holiday in Zanzibar. The choice is yours to make.