Rongai Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met by our representative. After checking that you have all your luggage and belongings,he will take you to one of our vehicles and transfer you to your hotel for a briefing on the following day’s climb. Overnight at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel

After breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Marangu gate with packed lunch. After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu gate, you will be transferred to Rongai.

The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950 m.) on a small path that wind through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently, through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkeys. These monkeys are black with long ‘capes’ 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 of Tsavo and Amboseli.

Approx: 3-4 hours walking. Dinner and overnight at First Cave Camp

After breakfast, begin the morning walk which 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 nestles in a sheltered valley of giant Senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3.600 m.)

Approx: 6-7 hours walking with dinner and overnight at Kikelewa Caves

After breakfast, a short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb sweeping vistas and a tangible sense of wilderness. The trail leaves vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m.), spectacularly situated on 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.

Approx: 3 - 5 hours walking with dinner and overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp.

We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach School 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!

Approx: 4-5 hours walking with dinner and overnight at Kibo Camp

Today’s climb starts out around 1 a.m. after a light breakfast, to reach Gillman’s Point (5685 m) at sunrise. The path from Kibo to Gillman’s is the most demanding 4 hours on the whole climb. Continue another 2 hours to the roof of Africa, Uhuru Peak (5895 m). Descend to Kibo Camp for hot lunch then to Horombo Hut. Meals and overnight at Horombo Camp

Weather: The cold effects of high altitude are felt. Wear everything you brought.
Water: the porters have carried extra water to Kibo. Ask them and they will fill your bottles.

You will hike back to the Marangu gate and park's headquarters. 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 are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. It is a welcome treat to sleep in a bed, take a hot shower and celebrate.

Overnight Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your home bound flights.