6-DAY MOUNT KILIMANJARO VIA RONGAI TREK

On this unspoilt wilderness route, we hike through farmland and pine plantations on the first day. On the second day, the view opens up and we realise that we are on a really big mountain.

The ascent on the third day is short but very steep and offers a marvellous view. On the fourth day, we hike over the summits of Kibo and Mawenzi to the 5,895-metre-high peak.

Price per person

1 person: $2,585

2 persons: $2,100

3-4 persons: $2,030

5-6 persons: $1,935

Over 6 persons: On request

ARRIVAL DAY
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), our driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.

The mountain guide will inspect your gear and give a briefing before you start your ascent. If you arrive after sunset, the briefing will be postponed until the next morning.

The hotel stay is included in the climb package for this night.
DAY 1:
RONGAI GATE (1950 M) – RONGAI CAVE CAMP (2830 M)
Depart Moshi in the morning and drive to Marangu Gate for registration. We transfer by road to Nale Moru (1,950 m) to begin our climb on this unspoilt wilderness route.

The first day is only a half-day walk on a small path that winds through farmland and pine plantations. It is a consistent but gentle climb through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. We reach our first overnight stop by late afternoon at the edge of the moorland zone.

Walking Distance: 4 hrs, 7 km breakfast at your hotel, lunch and dinner on the mountain are included.
DAY 2:
RONGAI (2830 M) – 2ND CAVE (3450 M) – KIKELELWA CAVE (3600 M)
The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450 m) en route, and reaching Kikelelwa Cave at about 3600 metres. The views start to open up and you get the feeling that

you’re on a really big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find some. Walking distance: 6-8 hrs, 11 km.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
DAY 3:
KIKELELWA CAVE (3600 M) – MAWENZI TARN CAMP (4330 M)
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn

spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area. Walking Distance: 4-5 hrs, 6 km. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
DAY 4:
MAWENZI TARN CAMP (4330 M) – KIBO HUT (4703 M)
Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo, crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut.

The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Walking Distance: 4-5 hrs, 6 km. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
DAY 5:
KIBO HUT (4700 M) – UHURU PEAK (5895 M) – HOROMBO HUT (3720 M)
You will wake up at around 23:30 h, and after a cup of tea or coffee and cookies, you shuffle off into the night. Here is where the toughest hiking is. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150 m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5681 m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone screens, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillman’s Point, you will normally encounter snow up to Uhuru Peak (5895 m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it.

Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest, you gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will stay overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening, you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions. Walking distance: 6 km ascent, 21 km descent breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
DAY 6:
HOROMBO HUT (AT 3720 M) TO MARANGU GATE (AT 1980 M)
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. View more Mt Kilimanjaro tips. At Marangu gate, you sign your name and details in a register.

This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685 m) were issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895 m) received gold certificates. You now are driven back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations! Our hotel stay in Moshi is included as part of the climb package for this night.

Walking distance: 5-7 hrs, 20 km

Included

Airport pick up and drop off
Accommodation one night before and one night after the trek in Arusha
All park fees and rescue fees for the national park
All government taxes and VAT
All meals and water while on the Mountain
All salaries for guides, Assistants guides, Chef and porters
Transfers to and from the park gate
Oxygen for altitude Sickness emergencies
All camping supplies (tents, tables, chairs, cooking supplies, dining tent, and sleeping mattresses, but excluding sleeping bags)
A separate toilet for max. 7 hikers