Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour 7 Days Rongai Route

Day 1 - Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave

We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.

• Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
• Distance: 8 km/5 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

Day 2 - Rongai Cave to to Second Cave

We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.

• Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
• Distance: 6 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Heath

Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave

• Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
• Distance: 6 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Heath

Day 3 - Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.

• Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 4 - Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.

• Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft -14,400 ft
• Distance: 2 km/1 mile
• Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn

• Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft -14,160 ft
• Distance: 2 km/1 mile
• Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5 - Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

• Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
• Distance: 8 km/5 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6 - Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

• Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
• Distance: 6 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

• Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
• Distance: 16 km/10 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Heath

Day 7 - Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

• Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
• Distance: 20 km/12 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE PACKAGE

• Portable toilet tent
• 2 Night Hotel accommodation in Moshi, a day before trek and a day after trek
• Transportation to and from your selected route
• Transfer from Airport/Bus station in Moshi on arrival and return to airport/Bus station after climb.
• Quality, Waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tent
• Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
• Certified, experienced, English speaking mountain guides:
• All Tanzanian National Park Fees
• Government Climbing Taxes
• Climbing permits
• All hot Meals prepared by our cook while on Mountain
• Guides, Porters and Cook Salaries
• Fair and ethical treatment of Porters
• Enough porters to carry your luggage
• Safety Equipment:
• Emergency Oxygen
• Pulse Ox meter
• Hot drinks at every meal
• Water provided on climb, mineral water for the first day and boiled water every day
• Emergency rescue fees
• Personal Summit Certificate signed by the National Park and your Guide

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

– Personal items and toiletries

– Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain

Tipping on Kilimanjaro from the trekking group (not per climber):

• Guides: $20/day/guide
• Cook: $15/day
• Porter: $10/day/porter
• N/B: Our Guides, cooks and Porters are always satisfied with your thanks giving (tip) you have and not beyond your ability.
• International airfares and departure taxes
• All items of person nature such as telephone call, fax, email etc
• Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks
• Laundry services
• Visa and International flight tickets fees

[wpdm_package id='4329']

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