RONGAI ROUTE – 7 DAYS

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver will transfer you to the hotel. Settle in and take time to relax and to get used to the African atmosphere. It is possible to book an extra day of rest prior to start of the climb, to give you ample time to acclimatise and recover from the flight. This extra day increases your chances of reaching the summit. NOTE: The hotel is not included in the price because depending on your preference we can offer you various options, from basic to luxurious accommodations. The choice is yours!

Start your trek at Rongai Gate, situated on Kilimanjaro's northeastern side. Hike through lush rainforests, encountering captivating flora and fauna. Reach Simba Camp for your first night, surrounded by the tranquility of the Rongai forest. __ Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 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: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft Distance: 6km/4mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Montane Forest

Ascend through moorland, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. __ 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: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft Distance: 6km/4mi Walking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Moorland

__ Today we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave. Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft Distance: 9km/5mi Walking Time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Semi-desert

__ Hike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day! Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft Distance: 5km/3mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert

Begin the night ascent to Uhuru Peak, reaching the summit at sunrise. Descend to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut. Marvel at the accomplishment of standing on the "Roof of Africa." __ Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now 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: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3700m/12,200ft Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down Habitat: Alpine Desert

Descend through moorland and rainforest zones, reflecting on the journey's highlights. Arrive at Marangu Gate, where a celebration awaits, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro expedition. Receive summit certificates and bid farewell to the majestic mountain. __ After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy.

After this amazing experience, you can choose to fly home on the day after or choose to discover what esle Tanzania has to offer you such as safaris, several day trips or going to relax on the beautiful coasts rather on the Mainland or on Zanzibar. We will be glad to help you to choose within all those possibilties.