Rongai Route Trek

An 8 day tour (6 day trek) taking a more off-the-beaten-track route starting on the Eastern side of Mount Kilimanjaro – a relatively dry area with a short forest zone .The route skirts the base of Mawenzi, ascends via Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak and descends via the Marangu route trail.

Itinerary

DAY 1   KILIMANJARO – MOSHI

Met on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Transfer to Moshi for dinner and overnight at Parkview Inn (Standard tour) or Ameg Lodge (Luxury / VIP tours).

DAY 2  MOSHI – SIMBA

After breakfast, drive around to the Eastern side of Kilimanjaro to Nale Muru and register at the Rongai Gate. The hike commences through farmland and pine plantations and then continues through afromontane forest. Overnight at Simba Camp (Full Board).

DAY 3  SIMBA – KIKELEWA     

After breakfast we ascend to Second Cave and its views of the Eastern ice fields. After lunch we leave the main trail and head towards Mawenzi and later to the Kikelewa Caves Camp in a sheltered valley. Overnight Kikelewa Caves Camp (Full Board).

DAY 4   KIKELEWA – MAWENZI

Breakfast followed by a hike to see Mawenzi Tarn located beneath Mawenzi Volcano at 4330 metres. In order to avoid altitude sickness we head out for an acclimatisation walk in the afternoon. Overnight Mawenzi Tarn Camp (Full Board).

DAY 5   MAWENZI – KIBO        

Today we cross the saddle between the majestic volcanic peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo through the alpine desert zone to reach Kibo Camp which is situated at 4700 metres. After an early dinner there is a chance to get some rest before departing late this evening / early next morning on the final ascent to the summit. Overnight Kibo Camp (Full Board).

DAY 6   KIBO – HOROMBO      

Depart very early (around midnight) to arrive in time for dawn to break on the Roof of Africa! We ascend Kibo Volcano via Gilman's Point (5685 metres) which takes around six to seven hours. It is then a further one and a half to two hours to the summit. Descend to Kibo Camp for refreshment and food and then continue down to Horombo Camp. Overnight Horombo Camp (Full Board).

DAY 7   HOROMBO –MOSHI

The final section descends to Marangu Gate via Mandara and Marangu. From here we transfer back to Moshi to relax before dinner. Overnight at Parkview Inn (Standard tour) or Ameg Lodge (Luxury / VIP tours).

DAY 8   MOSHI – KILIMANJARO

After breakfast, transfer by road to Kilimanjaro International Airport to check-in for your onward flight.