Kilimanjaro - Rongai Route
Day 1 Tanzania – Moshi
Hotel Two per room, No Meals
Today you will be picked up at your hotel in Nairobi and transferred by shuttle to Moshi via Arusha.If the weather is favourable you might get a first glimpse of the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro (5895m). Tonight you will be briefed by one of the guides about your up coming adventure. The Rongai route is one of the most scenic and as the decent is down the Marangu route you will see the mountain from many different points.
Day 2 First Cave
Camp BLD
It is a 4-5 hour transfer from Moshi to the attractive wooden village of Nale Muru at 1950m. After signing in and preparing the porters, you begin the hike on a wide path, that winds through fields of maize and potatoes, before entering pine forest. The path climbs 9km consistently through the attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest starts to give way to moorland and the Simba camp is at 2750m and has extensive views.
Day 3 Kilimanjaro National Park - Kikelewa Camp
Camp BLD
Todays walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave for lunch. Superb views of Kibo Crater and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim are to be had from here. We cover 17km today as we cross the moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Kikelewa Camp is located at 3600m in a sheltered valley, there are giant Senecios nearby.
Day 4 Kilimanjaro National Park - Mawenzi Tarn
Camp BLD
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn , spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding to aid altitude acclimatisation.
Day 5 Kilimanjaro National Park - Kibo Camp
Camp BLD
It is an 8km hike through the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo. The Kibo campsite is at 4695m, at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, it is advisable to have a very early night!
Day 6 Uhuru Peak (Summit attempt) - Horombo Camp
Camp BLD
We begin the final, and by far the steepest, days hiking at 1am and climb by torchlight for the first part of the journey. We travel very slowly in the darkness as we are on a switchback trail over loose volcanic scree. When we reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point, 5685m, we enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak, passing close to spectacular glaciers, and ice cliffs, that still occupy most of the summit area. The 14km descent to the campsite at Horombo (3690m) is surprisingly fast.
Day 7 Moshi
Camp BLD
It is a steady descent down through moorland to Mandara Hut 2700m. We continue down through lush forest, on a good path to the NP gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. If you conqured the summit you will receive your summit certificate at the gate. Green for Gilman’s Point and Gold for those that reached Uhuru Peak. Then, its back to Moshi for a hot shower and a well-deserved rest.
Day 8 Kenya - Nairobi
Own Arrangements, B
After breakfast you will be transferred back to Arusha where you will catch the shuttle to Nairobi. Dinner at Nairobi’s Carnivore restaurant is a great way to reward yourself after a week of physical activity. As the name implies, meat is main dish here. Vegetarians beware.
Departures:
daily
Accommodation: Camping
on a 2 person share basis
Tour Length: 8 days
Price: €555
Local Payment: US$400
Departure points: Nairobi, Kenya
Includes:
meals as per itinerary
accommodation
Registered guide
transport as per itinerary
Excludes:
personal items
Alcoholic & other drinks
snacks
souvenirs
tips
optional activities
Optional Activities
As per itinerary