Day 1: Arrive Arusha (1 night, Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort)
You will be met on arrival at the airport and transferred to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort for one night (half-board).
Kilimanjaro Mountain Lodge is tucked deep in the lush green banana and coffee plantations of Kyalla Village, in Marangu West, right on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. This is a mountaineers’ hotel with essential facilities for Kili trekkers: warm rooms with showers, good food and a garden with swimming pool.
This evening there will be a climb briefing covering kit, camping arrangements, and what to expect on the mountain (climate, altitude etc), as well as tomorrow’s transfer times. This is a good chance to ask any questions you may have about the coming climb, particularly any concerns regarding kit.
Day 2: Begin 6 Day Rongai Route, Kilimanjaro
After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, we transfer to the Rongai trailhead on Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes.
The climb begins in the village of Nale Moru (1,950m), as we follow a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest (the dry forest on Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes is quite different to the lush rainforest on Kilimanjaro’s wetter southern foothills).
The track soon starts to climb, consistently but gently, through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey (distinguishable by their long ‘cape’ of white hair and flowing white tail). The forest begins to thin out as we approach our camp, First Cave, at the edge of the moorland zone (2,650m) with dramatic views over the Kenyan plains. [3-4 hours walking; 6.5kms distance; 700m height gain]
Day 3: To Kikelewa Caves
This morning’s walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450m), with time to enjoy the superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim along the way.
After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a less-trodden path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Kikelewa Camp (3,675m) sits in a sheltered valley of giant senecios, near the Kikelewa Caves. [6-7 hours walking; 9kms distance; 950m height gain]
Day 4: To Mawenzi Tarn
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness.
The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse as we approach our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m), spectacularly situated in 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 acclimatisation. [3-4 hours walking; 5kms distance; 655m height gain]
Day 5: To Kibo Camp
We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks to reach Kibo campsite (4,715m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall.
The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins early tomorrow morning! [5-6 hours walking; 9kms; 385m altitude gain]
Day 6: To Kilimanjaro’s Summit
We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding part of the climb, by torchlight at around 1am. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685m).
We aim to reach Gilman’s in time to watch the sunrise over Mawenzi. After a short rest and a chance to admire the view, those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy much of Kilimanjaro’s summit area.
The descent to Kibo (4,700m) is surprisingly fast after the long ascent climb. After some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720m). [11-15 hours walking; 5kms ascent/15kms descent; 1195m height gain/ 2195m descent]
Day 7: Descend mountain (1 night, Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort)
A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping place along the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lush rainforest on a good trail to the Marangu Gate. [5-6 hours walking; 20kms distance; 1840m descent]
Transfer to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort, Marangu for a well-earned hot shower, dinner and rest!
Day 8: International departure
Morning at leisure until your scheduled transfer to the airport for your homeward flight/onward transfer.
If flying out this evening, we can arrange for a day room and lunch at your lodge (at additional cost).
Kilimanjaro Rongai Route (6 days)
Please see price guide for a list of our upcoming Rongai6 fixed departures. For private climb rates, please contact us.
Kilimanjaro Rongai Route (6 days)
OPEN GROUPS AVAILABLE | Rongai six days Kilimanjaro Climb via Mawenzi Tarn, going for Uhuru Peak through Gilman's Point and descending via Marangu Route.
Outline Itinerary
Price guide
Price applicable to our open group departures, which depart at fixed dates throughout the year - see available departure dates below. For private departures, please see our rates chart.
Pricing
8 days from £2185pp
Ana
Thank you again for coordinating so well every single step of my trip, in a such short notice.
