Overview
Day 1:
Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport and we’ll transfer you to a hotel in Moshi where you will overnight in
preparation for your climb the next day.
Day 2:
After breakfast we will transfer you to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden
village of Nale Moru (1,950 m.) on a small 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, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are
black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first
camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. Most
clients like to stay at SIMBA CAMPSITE but there is 1ST CAVE CAMSITE also. [3-4 hours walking]
Day 3:
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m.) with superb views of Kibo
and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the
moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley
with giant scenarios near KIKELEWA or 2nd CAVES CAMPSITE where you will overnight. (3.600 m.) [6-7
hours walking]
Day 4:
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all round views and a tangible
sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi
Tarn (4,330 m.), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The
afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. Overnight at
MAWENZI TURN HUT CAMPSITE or 3RD CAVE CAMPSITE [3-4 hours walking]
Day 5:
We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach School/KIBO
CAMPSITE (4,750 m.) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in
preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! [4-5 hours walking]
Day 6
We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by
torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose
volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685 m.) We will rest there for a short time to
enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour
round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still
occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m.) is surprisingly fast and, after some
refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final Campsite at Horombo (HOROMBO CAMPSITE)
(3,720 m.). [11-15 hours walking].
Day 7:
A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping
place at the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to
the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m). [5-6 hours walking]. You will be transferred to Springlands
Hotel or Alternative Hotel in Moshi for overnight.
Day 8:
Departing day– You will be provided with the transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Included
Excluded
Book Now: 8 Days MT Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Rongai Route
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