Kilimanjaro Rongai Route (7 Days)

Kilimanjaro Mountain Lodge is tucked deep in the lush green banana and coffee plantations of Kyalla Village in Marangu West, in the Kilimanjaro foothills. 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 you have regarding kit.

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]

The afternoon can be spent relaxing at camp and admiring the view over the Kenyan plains, or taking a short acclimatisation walk up towards Third Cave. [3-4 hours walking]

Our campsite is in a sheltered valley of giant senecios, near the Kikelewa Caves (3,675m). After lunch, there will be time to explore the valley around the campsite or to rest. [3-4 hours walking]

The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse as we approach the 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]

The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins early tomorrow morning! [5-6 hours walking]

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]

We then continue descending through lush rainforest on a good trail to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830m). [5-6 hours walking]

From the park gate, it is a short driven transfer to Kilimanjaro Mountain Lodge, where a hot shower, dinner and rest awaits!

After lunch (this can be included with shared day room on request), you will be met by our driver for the transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your homeward flight.