[breadcrumb]
Rongai route 6 days, 5 days
Overview
It is a six-day, five nights hike. Get all the right gear and get hiking. It is of course a challenge but that is exactly what guests look for in a Kilimanjaro hiking expedition. We will even go as far as stating that the challenge is what makes the hike interesting and adventurous and as a bonus guests get to hold a certificate on reaching the summit at Kibo.
Highlights
- See one of the few snow cupped summits in Africa
- Engage in birding with several bird species inhabiting the Kilimanjaro forest vegetation
- Experience different climatic conditions
- Hike to the highest point on the African continent
- Own a certificate on the completion of the hike to the summit of the mountain
Day1: Rongai Gate – First Cave Camp (8,695 Ft)
You will be picked up from your hotel in Moshi at 8:30 Am and then transfer to Rongai gate. Hikes of Kilimanjaro by the Rongai Route begin at the picturesque village of Nale Moru (1,950m), on a small path through potato and corn fields. After entering the pine forest, it takes approximately three to four hours to reach first camp, situated on the edge of the moorland zone.
Day 2: First Cave Camp – Second Cave Camp (11,319 Ft)
A steady ascent across open grasslands (which attract elephant and other wildlife) brings us to second cave camp, where the views out over Amboseli and Tsavo parks in Kenya are superlative. This section of the trail takes approximately four hours.
Day 3: Second Cave Camp – Third Cave Camp (12,713 Ft)
Today you will trek up a gentle gradient to third cave, with superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim. Allow yourself three to four hours for this section of the trail. Your easy, steady pace on the Rongai Route minimizes levels of difficulty and significantly assists acclimatization.
Day 4: Third Cave Camp – Kibo Hut On Marangu Trail (15,463 Ft)
The ascent to Kibo Hut takes about four to five hours, with the trail crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The remainder of this day is devoted to rest and recreation, in preparation for your attempt on the summit which starts around midnight.
Day 5: Kibo Hut – Summit – Horombo Hut (12,201 Ft)
It is at this stage that the climb becomes much more difficult and hikers should carry as little as possible for this stage. Making your way up a path that is flanked by the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers, you will climb for about six hours before reaching the edge of the crater between Stella and Hans Meyer points. The track around the edge of the crater is icy and rocky, so concentrate on your feet and follow your guide very closely for this section of the climb. Another hour of climbing will bring you to the summit – Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the African continent. Enjoy your sense of achievement as you watch the rising sun reflect of Kilimanjaro’s ice-caps and glaciers. Trek down to Kibo Hut (a relatively quick descent) for a well-deserved breakfast before continuing down to your final night on the mountain at Horombo Hut.
Day 6: Horombu Hut – Marangu Gate
Take time to appreciate the different flora and thick forest on this side of the mountain, as you walk down from Horombo to Marangu Gate. Upon arrival at the gate, you will be rewarded with a certificate attesting your success. After lunch transfer to Moshi/Arusha for overnight or to the airport for your flight back home.
