6 Days Rongai Route

Day 1: Pickup to Airport

You will be picked up from airport. From there you will go to the hotel in Moshi for an orientation on your trek. Your guides will be there to provide you with details on your trek and will also check your trekking gears.

Dinner and overnight at PANAMA GARDEN RESORT or similar hotel in Moshi

PANAMA GARDEN RESORT

Day 2: Moshi - Marangu National Park Gate

After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, we transfer to Rongai. The climb begins from Nale Moru (1,950 m) on a small 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, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long 'cape' of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp, Rongai One, is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Rongai One

Day 3: Rongai One - Second Cave

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the 'Second Cave' (3,450 m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields 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. Kikelewa campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3,600 m)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Kikelewa Camp

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp - Mawenzi Tarn Hut

A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb allround views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m), 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 acclimatisation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Mawenzi Tarn Hut

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut - Kibo Hut

We cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700 m) 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!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Kibo Hut

Day 6: Kibo Hut - Uhuru Peak

We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (5,685 m) We will 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 (5,896 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach Horombo Camp (3,720 m).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Horombo Hut

Day 7: Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate

After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at the lower station of Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi.

At the Gate gate you sign your name and details in a register book. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gilmans Point are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive Golden certificates.

You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed and celebrations!!

Dinner and overnight at PANAMA GARDEN RESORT or similar hotel in Moshi

Panama Garden Resort - Moshi