Full Itinerary

There is only one route over on the north eastern side of the mountain, Rongai, which is usually a five night climb. This lesser known track may not be quite as spectacular as the western routes, but it does usually have far lower traffic than the other five night routes. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. It is generally considered to be the easiest of the quality routes on the mountain. Rongai is the best route for people who are looking for a decent quality experience and are perhaps not absolutely confident about your fitness.

Day 1: Arusha to Moshi Town

Pick up from Arusha town or Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi town, which is commonly known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Half Board accommodation at a Base Hotel in Moshi.

Day 2: Moshi Town through Rongai Gate to 01st Caves Camp:- 2600m (5Hrs of hiking)

Rongai Gate (1950m) – 1st Caves camp (2600m)  – Hiking time: 5 hours.  – Habitat: Montane forest.

Register at the Marangu park gate with a transfer (approximately 2 ½ hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through beautiful country. The first night’s camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 meters. There is a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just down the trail below First Cave.

Day 3: 01st Cave to Kikelelwa Cave:- 3600m (6-7Hrs of hiking)

1st Cave (2600m) – Kikelelwa Cave (3600m)  – Hiking time: 6-7 hours. – Habitat: Moorlands

The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelelwa Cave at about 3600 meters. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find some. Overnight at Kikelelwa Cave camp.

Day 4: Kikelelwa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Camp:- 4330m (3-4Hrs of hiking)

Kikelelwa Cave (3600) – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m)  – Hiking time: 3-4 hours.  – Habitat: Moorlands

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut:- 4700m  (3-4Hrs of hiking)

Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) – Kibo hut (4700m)  –  Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours.  – Habitat: Alpine desert.

Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins at midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp.

Day 6: Kibo Hut ascend to Uhuru Peak 5895m then Descend to Horombo Hut (3720m)

Summit Attempt, Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3720m)

Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru, 6 hours to descend to Horombo.

Distance: 6 km’s ascent – 21 km’s descent. –  Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.

You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. This is where the going really gets  tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kilimanjaro shuffle and move slowly. From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest  point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it.

Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Day 7: Horombo hut to Marangu Gate – Hiking time: 6 hours.  –  Distance: About 27 km’s.

Horombo hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)  – Hiking time: 6 hours.  –  Distance: About 27 km’s.

After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Accommodation at a Base Hotel in Moshi

Day 8:

After breakfast, transfer back to Arusha town.

• Safari Includes
• Safari Excludes
• Safari Costs
• Book Safari
• Safari Planner

• Park entry fees.
• Food on the mountain (B/L/D).
• Experienced cooks, guides and porters.
• Transport from Moshi to the Mountain gate.
• Drinking water (Not Mineral water) & fruit juices
• Fees of national park approved guide and porters.
• Tents, dining or mess tents, camping table and chairs.(On camping routes only).
• Ground transfers with pick up and drop off from Arusha or JRO to/from base Hotel in Moshi
• 2 Nights hotel in Moshi HB (B/A the climb) in either Park View Inn or Sal Salinero Hotel depending on availability.
• 24hours support of our Tours staff throughout the safari.

• Tips.
• Visas.
• Laundry.
• Insurances.
• Airport taxes.
• Airline tickets.
• Xmas and Easter Holiday Surcharge: quoted separately.
• Excursions/services/activities not mentioned in this program
• Personal expenses e.g. laundry, telephone calls, Drinks, Tips etc
• Other equipments on the mountain:-Mountain gear (other than tents, camping table and chairs).
• NOTE: Additional SRS for single tent will apply of Camping routes
• Other beverages apart from fruit juices and mineral water given on the first day of the climb
• Boiled water is given during the climb

To get costs for this tour, contact our Sales Office Team on sales@trailsofafrica.co.ke stating the Safari Tour Code and name of the safari you want to book and we shall revert back with safari costs and availability status.

Full Names*

Your Email*

Safari Booked & Tour Code*

Arrival Date*

No of Pax*

No of Kids*

Fill in more details if any:

*

Read our Safari FAQs
Read our Safari Dos and Don’ts
Read our Animal Checklist
Read our Birds Checklist
Read our Camping Checklist
Read our Mountain Climbing Packing List