OVERVIEW

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended to allow enough acclimatization before summit session. Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo Hut. This route descends down via Marangu route Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.

DAY TO DAY ACTIVITIES

Day 01

After an early breakfast in your Hotel in Moshi or Arusha drive about 3 hours from Moshi and Arusha 4hours to the Rongai Gate near Kenya border. After registration at the entrance gate your hiking will begin through forests where you may see or hear wildlife. You lunch will be save on the way up before reaching destination of the day. The rongai route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro because of the long drive to the Rongai Gate (1,800m/5,900ft) to First Cave Camp (2,600m/8,400ft).

-Elevation Gain: 760 meters, 2,000 feet.

-Hiking time: 4 – 6 hours.

-Dinner overnight Simba Camp (first Cave).

Day 02

First Cave Camp (2,600m/8,400ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft); Elevation Gain: 1,000 meters, 3,280 feet; hiking time: 4 – 6 hours; After Breakfast Walk through giant heathers and moor lands to Campsite at Kikelewa campsite - near Kikelewa Cave (5-6h, 3650m) 11862Ft) this is relatively short day during the hike you have a great view of Mwawenzi in the blue sky day dinner overnight.

Day 03

Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft); Elevation Gain: 730 meters, 2,390 feet; hiking time: 4 – 6 hours. Hiking time: 4 – 6 hours. This is leisure day with more acclimatization activities in the morning and late noon day starts with a morning hike followed by a rest in the afternoon and evening. The hike is relatively short but steep. Mawenzi Tarn campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo. Dinner overnight.

Day 04

Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft); Elevation Gain: 420 meters/1380 feet; Hiking time: 4 – 6 hours. This is a fairly gradual walk as it mainly follows the saddle, and it is also possible to go from Mawenzi Tarn hut to school hut 4750Mt across the lunar landscape of the saddle to the final destination( 15438Ft) and from there to Uhuru peak, Gain the Saddle and walk across this desert of screen to a camp not far from Kibo hut (3-4h, 4730m). Dinner overnight.

Day 05

School hut or Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft); Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters, 3,760 feet; Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters, 7,140 feet; Hiking time: 6 hours to the rim, 1.5 hours to Uhuru, 4 hours to Kibo, 4 hours to Horombo. At midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Hike by the light of your flashlight for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman's Point. The hike from Gilman's to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. From crater rim it takes about two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, capture picture for memory of your life time at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut. Distance: 5Km Down to Kibo from the summit, 10km down to Horombo hut. Total 15Km. Time: 3hrs down to Kibo hut down, Horombo Hut 3-4 hrs while you are increase Oxygen dinner overnight Horombo Hut.

Day 06

Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft); Elevation Loss: 1,920 meters, 6,295 feet; hiking time: 6 – 8 hours. This is by easiest day as it is downhill and the oxygen supply increase as you go down, you will reach Mandara Hut at about lunch time where your hot lunch will be save after lunch at Mandara hut complete your descent to Marangu Gate where the driver will pick you –up at the park gate to the hotel in Moshi or Arusha (B&B).

-Distance: 20Km

-Time: 5-6Hours.

WHAT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE

-Bed and Breakfast, all transfer and all stated in the itinerary including entrance fees.

-The right is reserved to substitute hotels when necessary, for those described in this package.