Rongai Route - Climbing Kilimanjaro 6 Days

You’ll be met by our ground handling team at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to the delightful Ahadi Lodge. Relax in your thatched cottage, savor the enchanting views of Mount Meru, and unwind on the private verandah. Located just outside the vibrant town of Arusha, and set in its own tropical gardens, the lodge provides a gentle introduction to the natural beauty of Tanzania.

Overnight: Arusha Hotel orMount Meru Hotel

Meals Plan: Dinner and Break Fast

Distance: Approximately 6.7 km Habitat: Forest Depart from Moshi town and drive 45 minutes to the Marangu park gate for registration. From Marangu park gate we travel to Naro Moru, north east Kilimanjaro, a further 68km and approximately 2 ½ hours on bad roads to the Rongai start point (1996m). 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 a beautiful countryside.

The first night’s camp is at Simba Camp (2626m). The camp facilities include a public toilet and a wooden table with benches.

Distance: Approximately 11.8 km Habitat: Moorlands We hike from Simba camp up towards Kibo. We'll stop for lunch at First Caves, a distance of 5.8km. After lunch, we continue trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3679 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water can be found in an obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelewa camp.

Distance: Approximately 3.7 km 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.

Distance: Approximately 9 km Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast we head west and 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 around midnight. Overnight at Kibo hut.

Distance: Approximately 5.4km ascent and 15 km descent Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Rise around 11:30 pm, and after some tea and biscuits, 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. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili 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 will be able to spend taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut.

After a short rest, you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo for 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, enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Distance: Approximately 19.7 km

After breakfast, you continue your descent (6-hours), passing the Mandara hut and down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely.

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!! Overnight at the hotel.