Rongai Trail to Kilimanjaro Summit Multi Day Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Marangu Gate to Rongai Trailhead and Third Caves Camp
1 stop
1
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and driven to the Marangu Gate (1980m). At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then be transferred by vehicle to the Rongai trailhead, which is 2.5 hours away from the Managu Gate. The trail begins in the tall cornfields then leads into the pine forest. About halfway up the trail you will have a lunch break and you will reach the 1st Caves Camp (2600m) in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef, who move very fast up the mountain, will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served. For overnight, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared! Hiking time: 5 hours Distance: Approximately 8 kilometers Habitat: Montane Forest
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Ascending to Kikelewa Camp through the Moorlands
1 stop
2
Following a hot breakfast, hikers will continue their ascent to Kikelewa Cave (3600m). The trail passes Second Cave (3450m) and this is a good spot to take a lunch break. Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp. Hiking time: 6-7 hours Habitat: Moorlands
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Reaching Mawenzi Tarn: A Shorter Hiking Day
1 stop
3
On this day, hikers will enjoy a short, yet steep trail to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m). In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. At camp, hikers will enjoy spectacular views and allow their bodies to acclimate. Hot dinner and washing water will be prepared for hikers as they enjoy the magnificent sunset. Hiking time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Moorlands
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Trekking to Kibo Hut: Gateway to the Summit
1 stop
4
After breakfast, hikers will continue ascending east for a half-day hike to Kibo Hut. Kibo is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00! Hiking time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine desert
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
The Summit Day: Kibo to Uhuru and Down to Horombo
1 stop
5
Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). From this point, you will usually experience a snow covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours. At Kibo Hut, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m). You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a strenuous day. Kibo Hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m) Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru and 6 hours to Horombo Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit Distance: Approximately 6 kilometres ascent and 21 kilometres descent
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Descending to Marangu Gate and Departure
1 stop
6
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, 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. View more Mt Kilimanjaro tips. 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 are driven back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Walking distance: 5-7 hrs, 20 km In Kiswahili we say Kwa Heri (goodbye) and Karibuni Tena (welcome again). End
8 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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