Rongai Route Trek

An 8 day tour (with 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/ARUSHA

Pick up in Kilimanjaro and transfer by road to Moshi and to Parkview Inn. For the semi-deluxe and luxury options, accommodation will be at Rivertrees Lodge in Arusha. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 2  MOSHI – SIMBA

After breakfast transfer by road to Rongai Gate to register and meet your guides. 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/ARUSHA

The final section descends to Marangu Gate via Mandara and Marangu. From here we transfer back to Parkview in Moshi (standard option). For semi-deluxe and luxury options, accommodation at Rivertrees Lodge in Arusha for dinner and overnight.

DAY 8  MOSHI – KILIMANJARO

After breakfast transfer back to Kilimanjaro. Drop off at the international airport for your onward flight.