6 Days Rongai Route
Full Itinerary
Overview
DAY 1 : Drive To Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike To Simba Camp
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). 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.
Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: LD
DAY 2: Hike Simba Camp To Second Cave
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: BLD
DAY 3 : Hike Second Cave To Third Cave
DAY 4 : Hike Third Cave To Kibo Hut
Hike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day!
Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
DAY 5 : Hike Kibo Hut To Summit, And Down To Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo Huts.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Hotel
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest 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 be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel.
levation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfas
- included
- Airport Transfer: Pickup and transfer to Parkview Inn or Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
- Mountain Crew: Professional team with fair wages as per KINAPA and KIATO standards
- Permits and Fees: Kilimanjaro National Park permits and camping/hut fees
- Meals and Equipment: 3 daily meals, modern tents, warm sleeping pads, first aid kit, and group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery, cutlery)
- Optional Facilities: Portable flush toilets available upon request
- Post-Climb: Meeting at the park exit, transfer to hotel, accommodation after the climb, international ascent certificates
- Return Transfer: Transfer back to Kilimanjaro Airport
- Excluded
- Flight tickets
- Visa fees
- Personal gear rental
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry services
- Tips for the mountain crew