Rongai route, 6 days

This is the only path to apporach Kibo from North.

 

Originally the path began at the Kenyan border, but recently the trail shifted to the east and now it starts at the Tanzanian town in Loitokitok, after which the new path has been named – the Rongai Route.

 

Where humans do not frequently go, animals often do – and because this route is seldom visited by trekkers, it is likely that you will encounter wildlife. Also, the semi to alpine desert zones, mooreland and rainforest is covered by a wide array of plants.

 

Day 1: Pre-trek briefing | Rongai Gate (1950 m / 6400 ft) – First Cave Camp (2650 m /8,695 ft)

 

After an early breakfast we will go through a pre-trek briefing, gear check, an overview of the route and answer any questions regarding your time in Tanzania. After the briefing we start our trekking expedition.

 

Climbs of Kilimanjaro by the Regional Route begin at the picturesque village of Nale Moru 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 (3450 m / 11,319 ft)

 

A steady ascent across open grasslands (which attract elephant and other wildlife) brings us to the second cave camp, where the views out over Amboseli and Tsavo parks in Kenya are astounding. This section of the trail takes approximately four hours.

 

Day 3: Second Cave Camp – Third Cave Camp (3875 m / 12,713 ft)

 

Today you will trek up a gentle gradient to the third cave, with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice 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 (4713 m / 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 ascent to the summit which starts around midnight.

 

Day 5: Kibo Hut- Summit (5895 m / 19,340 ft) – Horombo Hut (3719 m / 12,201 ft)

 

Soon after midnight, you will be awakened by your guides to start the zigzag trek up a long scree slope. After roughly two hours you should reach Hans Meyer’s cave and from here the gradient gets steeper. Continue your climb for approximately another 3 hours to Gilman’s Point and you will be rewarded with the dramatic sight of the rising sun reflecting off of the ice fields and craggy peaks of Mawenzi. Walk along the crater ring for another couple of hours to reach your goal (Uhuru Peak), towering at 19, 340 ft. After congratulating yourself and your companions on this great achievement, descend to Kibo Hut for rest and refreshment before continuing to Horombo Hut for your last night on the mountain.

 

Day 6: Horombo Hut- Marangu Gate

 

After a leisurely breakfast, make your final descent across the alpine meadow, past Mandara Hut and on down through the rainforest to Marangu Gate, where your driver and vehicle will be waiting.

 

Continue your dream trip with an amazing safari extension or head for departure. We also provide transfers to the bus station or Kilimanjaro International Airport.