8 Days Rongai Route

Orientation for your trek will take place at the hotel and you will be picked up from the airport. Our guides will provide additional information regarding the 8 days Rongai Route and they will perform an inspection on your trekking gear.

Walking Time: 3-4hrs

Distance: 6.5km

Altitude Gain: 700m

In the morning we will pick you up from your hotel and drive to the Marangu Gate (approximately 1,8km). After the necessary park registration is completed, we will proceed to the Nalemoru Gate (Just under 2km). There will be an opportunity to meet your crew and a comforting hot lunch will be served at the gate. We will embark on the great journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Your trek starts with a twisting path that intersects with a field of maize. We will enter the ember canopies of the dense forest and walk along the moist floor. The trees above the misty paths are home to the striking blue monkey, the contrasting black and white colobus and the adorable bush baby. The trek lasts three to four hours. We will spend the night at the Simba Camp (2650m). Comprehensive camping facilities are provided.

Walking Time: 6-7hrs

Distance: 9km

Altitude Gain: 950m

In the morning the journey towards Kibo will resume. At the second ancient cave, an appetising hot lunch will be served. After lunch we will trek through a brief section of the barren dunes of the moorland and continue amid the heather vegetation zone which is studded with ethereal, enormous lobelias. There is a high possibility of viewing the breath- taking display of the Kibo peak. There is also a chance that we may spot jackals and the odd buffalo – there is no need to panic as your guide accompanies you at all times. Once we reach the Kikelewa Caves camp, you can relax for the remaining hours of the day (3600m).

Walking Time: 3-4hrs

Distance: 6km

Altitude Gain: 370m

Breakfast will be served at the campsite. Our day begins on a short inclined pasture that leads to an area of wilderness. A low desert environment will replace the limited vegetation. We will arrive at the Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m) where a delectable hot lunch will be served. There is a possibility of small excursions for acclimatisation taking place but you are likely spend the rest of the day lounging at the campsite.

Walking Time: 4-5hrs

Distance: 9km

Altitude Gain: 370m

Note that the trail progressively becomes steeper and stonier as we advance further away from the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. We will travel up a desolate site that leads to ‘The Saddle’ – an extensive lunar lava stone landscape that stretches between Mawenzi and Kibo. The journey is complimented by the marvellous views of the towering upper regions of the Kilimanjaro. Our trek will come to an end when we reach the Kibo Huts (4703m) and a steaming hot meal will be served in the afternoon. You can relax for the remainder of the day. We recommend that you try to get to bed early so you are revitalized for the climb to the summit at midnight.

Walking Time: 6-8hrs ascent, 5-6hrs descent

Distance: 5km ascent, 15km descent

Altitude Gain: 1195m

Altitude Loss: 2195m

Our voyage to the summit begins at midnight and this is the longest, most laborious day of the whole trek. The trail consists of a long, sharp slope until we pass the Hans Meyer Cave. At this point the path transforms into a twisting, single-file lane. To reach Gillman’s Point (5685m) you will use a brief path with a terrain that is laden with rocks, some climbing is necessary. This is the biggest difficulty of the ascension. Gilman’s point or the lips of Kilimanjaro indicate that Uhuru Peak (5895m) is merely a two hour hike away. Once you progress to Uhuru and behold the spectacle of the first peach hued rays of light brushing against the ice laden fields of the Mawenzi Peaks – you will comprehend the magnitude of your victory. We won’t spend too much time at Uhuru as we have to start our descent to the Kibo Hut. We will take a short, desirable break. We will proceed to the Horombo Huts and at this point you will beam with joy at the sight of your sleeping bag.

Walking Time: 5-6hrs

Distance: 20km

Altitude Gain: 1195m

Altitude Loss: 1900m

After breakfast we will descend to the Marangu gate. On our journey we will encounter the Mandara Hut and travel through the lush rainforest once again. When we get to the Marangu gate you will be awarded with a certificate to prove that you completed the 8 days Rongai Route. After the brief festivities with your porters conclude you will be transported back to the hotel – where a piping hot shower, soft mattress and fresh clothes await. You may even want to try one or two Kilimanjaro beers!

Today we will transfer you to Kilimanjaro Airport, from where you will connect your flight back home. If you’ve decided to go in a safari – well, that’s a another adventure and we’ll be happy to arrange it for you!