Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Rongai Route 9 Days Tanzania (all accommodation and transport are included)

Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nalemoru (about 4 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Elevation: 2650m to 3450m, Distance: 6km, Walking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Moorland

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim

Elevation: 3450m to 3600m, Distance: 9km, Walking Time: 2-3 hours, Habitat: Semi-desert,

Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.

Elevation: 3600m to 4330m, Distance: 6km, Walking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Semi-desert

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Turn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.

If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.

Elevation: 4330m to 4750m, Distance: 9km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert

Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early.

Elevation: 4700m to 5895m & down to 3700m, Distance: 6km up & 15km down, Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up & 15km down, Habitat: Alpine Desert

Very early in the morning (midnight about 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elevation 5700m). Continuing ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Elevation: 3700m to 1700m, Distance: 20km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Forest

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Our vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your Hotel in Moshi/Marangu.

Today, you may opt to relax at the hotel or choose to extend your holiday by continue with safari (i.e Ngorongoro and Serengeti) but if not our driver will transfer you to the Airport to connect with your flight back home.

This day left for your next destination. If you have safari, then might be used to beginning your safari or fly to Zanzibar or fly back home. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.