6 Day Kilimanjaro Climb, Rongai Route

Day 1: Rongai Start Point (1996m) – Simba camp (2626m)

Drive to Marangu park gate for registration. From Marangu park gate we drive to Naro Moru, north east Kilimanjaro, a further 68km and approximately 2 ½ hours on bad roads to the Rongai start point (1996m). Meet the guide and porters before the 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 a beautiful country side. The first night’s camp is at Simba Camp (2 626m). The camp facilities include a public toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut.

Day 2: Simba camp (2626m) – Kikelewa Camp (3679m)

We trek from Simba camp towards Kibo for lunch at First Caves. After lunch we keep on trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3679 meters. The view start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water can be found in a obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelewa camp.

Day 3:Kikelewa Cave (3679m) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4303m)

We will drive through the vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m) – Kibo hut (4730m)

After breakfast in the morning we will walk west and continue climbing up 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 hut.

Day 5: Kibo hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3705m)

We will follow 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 form a zigzags pathways up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This part is steeper with a lot of stone scree, involving a great substantial physical and mental commitment. This is probably the most tough part of the whole route. The guide will provide you with all necessary support and guide at this junction. From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.

At Uhuru Peak

The good weather conditions on the summit will allow you to stay longer while the bad weather conditions may force you to retrace even before stipulated stay duration. You will get an opportunity to take photographs before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest at Kibo hot, you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your 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 a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Day 6: Horombo hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m)

After breakfast we will carry on descending down to the Marangu gate via Mandara hut. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely.

You sign-out your name and details in a register at Marangu gate. This is also an opportunity where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) will be given with green certificates while those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates.
You will now be driven back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed and celebrations!!