Mt Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 9 Days
8 NIGHTS 9 DAYS MT KILIMANJARO TREKKING EXPEDITION RONGAI ROUTE
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Moshi
Transfer from Nairobi to Moshi town via Namanga – border. Packed lunch will be served on the way. Enjoy the amazing views of the lush agricultural Meru plantations arriving at Moshi hotel in the early evening.
By flight landing in Arusha JRO Airport – Upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Arusha Airport (ARK) or Arusha or Moshi Bus Station, our representative will pick and transfer you to our base hotel in Moshi. Overnight stay at Moshi. (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 2: Moshi – Rongai Gate (1950m) – 1st Cave Simba Camp (2600m)
Departs: Any day | Hiking time: 3 - 4hrs | Distance: Approximately 8kms | Habitat: Montane forest
After registration at the Marangu park gate, transfer (approximately 2 ½ hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Checking in at the gate, start an acclimatization hike from the Nale Moru village with lunch enroute. 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 metres. Water can be found just down the trail below First Cave. Dinner and overnight camping in mountain tents at 1st caves camp. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Day 3: First Cave Simba Camp (2600m) – Kikelewa Cave (3600m)
Hiking time: 7hrs | Distance: Approximately 9kms | Habitat: Moorlands
The trail continues upwards passing the Second Cave (3450m) and reaching Kikelewa Cave at about 3600 meters. Picnic lunch en-route while enjoying spectacular views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields. Dinner and overnight camping in mountain tents at Kikelewa camp. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Day 4: Kikelewa Cave (3600) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)
Hiking time: 4hrs | Distance: Approximately 6kms | Habitat: Moorlands
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The vegetation zone ends shortly before reaching camp Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi with lunch en-route. Dinner and overnight camping in mountain tents at Mawenzi Tarn camp. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn
This optional extra day and night at Mawenzi Tarn is for acclimatization and relaxation. Lunch, dinner and overnight camping in mountain tents at Mawenzi Tarn camp. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Day 6: Kilimanjaro Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) – Kibo hut (4700m)
Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours | Distance: Approximately 9kms | Habitat: Alpine desert
After early breakfast, depart camp ascending on the East side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Dinner and overnight camping in mountain tents at Kibo camp. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Day 7: Kibo Camp – Uhuru Peak Summit – Kibo – Horombo Hut
Hiking time: 8hrs to Uhuru Peak, 6hrs to Horombo | Distance: Approximately 6kms ascent, 21kms descent | Habitat: Stone scree, ice-capped summit and Alpine Desert
Start the hike at 2300hrs of the main peak – Uhuru Peak Africa's top most point (alt. 5895m) which is the highlight of our trip! It is advisable to start the hike of the summit as early as the scree slope up the Gillman's point (alt5680m), will still be frozen, which will make the walking safer and less strenuous. Walk for a further 2 hrs from Gillman's point to arrive at Uhuru peak at 0600hrs.After taking photos with the sunrise, descend further down to Kibo hut where you will have some breakfast and later descend further with lunch enroute to Horombo hut for dinner and overnight. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Day 8: Horombo – Mandara – Marangu Gate – Moshi
Hiking time: 7hrs | Distance: Approximately 27kms | Habitat: Moorland and Montane forest
Depart the camp after breakfast and walk through the forest vegetation lunch enroute arriving at Marangu gate in time to sign off and certificate issuance to all successful climbers to Point Gilman's and Uhuru Peak and thereafter onward connection and transfer to the hotel in Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations after the achievement. (Breakfast, Lunch & Bed)
Day 9: Moshi – Nairobi
After breakfast, drive to Arusha for lunch at own cost then proceed to NBO via Namanga border and further to Nairobi arriving late in the evening or transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Arusha Airport (ARK) or Arusha or Moshi Bus Station for your departure. (Breakfast)
Any extra day will attract from USD 250 per person
