Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing 6days Rongai route (Standard)

Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing 6days Rongai route (Standard)

The Rongai route ascends Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.

Itinerary

Day 1: Rongai Gate (1950m) - 1st Caves camp (2600m)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Register at the Marangu park gate with a transfer (approximately 2 ½ hours) to the Rongai trailhead. 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 beautiful country. The first night's camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 metres. There is a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just down the trail below First Cave.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 1st cave camp (simba)

Day 2: 1st Cave (2600m) - Kikelewa Cave (3600m)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you're on a really big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find some. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves).

Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Kikelelwa caves camp

Day 3: Kikelewa Cave (3600) | Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
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.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Mwenzi turn camp

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) | Kibo hut (4700m)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
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 Camp.

Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Kibo camp

Day 5: SUMMIT ATTEMPT | Kibo hut (4700m| Uhuru Peak (5895m) | Horombo hut (3720m)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru - 6 hours to descend to Horombo | Distance: 6 km's ascent - 21 km's descent. | Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
You will be woken at 11.30pm and after some tea and biscuits you 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. 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 can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear for the descent and head down to Horombo huts (3 hours) where you will 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 you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Duration: 10 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Horombo camp

Day 6: Horombo hut (3720m) | Marangu Gate (1980m)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
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. 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!!
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Kilimanjaro Wonders Horel (4star)