Kilimanjaro Trekking Rongai Route for 7 Days

ITINERARY DESCRIPTION DAY BY DAY

Day 1: Rongai Simba  Camp

Following breakfast, we moved to Rongai Gate. Starting at Nale Moru (6,400 feet), the ascent follows a narrow road that passes through potato and maize fields before entering a pine forest. The trail then begins to slowly but steadily climb through a lovely woodland that is home to a variety of species, including Colobus monkeys. These monkeys are black with a flowing white tail and a long white “cape” of hair. At the edge of the moorland zone, the woodland starts to get thinner. Then, as we reach Rongai One Camp, our first campsite, we take in the expansive vistas of the Kenyan plains (8,500 ft). [3–4 walking hours]

Day 2 : Simba Camp – Rongai 2nd Cave

With spectacular views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields on the crater rim, the morning trek is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (11,300 ft). We depart the main trail after lunch and take a smaller path southeast across the moorland in order to reach the craggy peaks of Mawenzi. Near the Kikelewa Caves, our campground is in a valley that is shaded and ornamented with enormous special plants (11,800 ft). [6-7 hours on foot]

Day 3: Second Cave – Kikelewa Cave.

A short but steep ascent is rewarded with breathtaking views in every direction and a real sense of wilderness. Shortly before arriving at the following camp at Mawenzi Tarn (14,200 ft), which is magnificently located in a cirque immediately beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi, we leave vegetation behind. The afternoon will be free for you to relax or tour the neighborhood to help you acclimate. [3–4 walking hours]

Around one in the morning, we begin the hardest and last section of the climb by torchlight. To get to the lip of the crater at Gillman’s Point, we make our way very slowly through loose volcanic scree on a switchback track in the pitch-blackness (18,600 ft).

We take a little break here to relax and take in the magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi. The three-hour round climb to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft), which passes close to the breathtaking glaciers and ice cliffs that still comprise the majority of the summit region, is an option for those who are still in good physical condition. It is surprisingly quick to descend to Kibo Hut (15,400 ft), and after some refreshments, we proceed to Horombo Huts (12,200 ft). [11–15 walking hours]

Day 4 : Kikelewa Cave – Mawenzi Turn

One more day is available for acclimatization. We take a stroll up the saddle and toward Camel’s Back to further explore the area. We go back to the Mawenzi Tarn camp (14,200 ft). [2–3 hours on foot]

Day 5 : Mawenzi Turn – Kibo Hut

To get to Kibo Hut (15,400 feet), located at the base of the crater wall, we have to go across the lunar desert in the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Resting up for an early morning final ascent takes up the rest of the day. 5 to 6 hours of walking

Day 6: Kibo Hut – Summit- Horrombo Hut.

Around one in the morning, we begin the hardest and last section of the climb by torchlight. To get to the lip of the crater at Gillman’s Point, we make our way very slowly through loose volcanic scree on a switchback track in the pitch-blackness (18,600 ft). We take a little break here to relax and take in the magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi. The three-hour round climb to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft), which passes close to the breathtaking glaciers and ice cliffs that still comprise the majority of the summit region, is an option for those who are still in good physical condition. It is surprisingly quick to descend to Kibo Hut (15,400 ft), and after some refreshments, we proceed to Horombo Huts (12,200 ft). [11–15 walking hours]

Day 7 : Horrombo Hut.

We descend steadily through the moorland to reach Mandara Huts (8,900 ft). At the Marangu Gate (6,000 feet), we continue our descent through a wonderful, lush forest on an excellent trail before being driven back to Babylon Lodge or a similar establishment for a hot shower and celebration. 5 to 6 hours of walking

Departing Day:

You will be transported to the airport in preparation for your return trip home, a leisurely excursion to Zanzibar Beach, or a safari, depending on your flight’s departure time and location.