Marangu Route

Rongai Route

Accommodation: All huts along this route are unfurnished uniports which each sleep 6 people. There are stream water and platform toilets from first hut to other upper huts. But, the huts are not good for clients to stay, so we strongly recommend clients to stay in tents for all nights they spend on the mountain.

8DAYS/SEVEN NIGHTS -RONGAI ROUTE

Day 1: Arrival Moshi : Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to Moshi and checking at Hotel hopefully catch the first glimpse of the mountain. In the afternoon a debriefing about the climb. Following the debriefing there will be an equipment check to ensure that you have all the necessary equipment for the climb.

Day 2: -Drive to Rongai Hike up through the Rongai Forest approx 2560m.Drive to the town of Loitokitok on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro and the trailhead five miles outside of town . From the Park entrance the climbers start the climb passing through the tropical rain forest. It is about a 5-6 hour walk to First camp at approx 2560m but we advise people to go very slowly. The forest teems with bird life and colobus and other monkeys may be seen. We should arrive early afternoon so the rest of the day will be used to relax and recheck your equipment. 

Day 3: First camp to Kikelewa Moorland. (3600m) Continue through the forest, eventually encountering the moorlands just below a large lava overhang known as Second Cave. Here we have lunch, then traverse the open moorlands toward the spectacular peak of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro second major peak rising. Our second camp is at Kikelewa, shortly before reaching the saddle that connects Mawenzi to Kibo and Uhuru peaks. (5-6 hours hiking).

Day 4: Mawenzi Camp Rising early you climb steadily to craggy jugged peaks of Mawenzi.(one of the volcanic peaks) camp beneath Mawenzi at approx 4,400m. Some groups take an alternative route away from Mawenzi and camp on the north side of the saddle.

Day 5: Outward Bound Hut. Trek to the Outward Bound Hut at 4,750m between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Mountain vistas are fabulous as we emerge onto the saddle between glacier-covered Kibo and rock-crowned Mawenzi (these mountain views alone are worth the effort of the trek!). arrive by lunchtime, and have the afternoon to organize and rest up for the summit attempt. turn in early (since we will be arising at midnight). (4 hours hiking).

Day 6: Kibo camp to Gilman's point to Uhuru Peak ; Horombo Hut this is the hardest day of the climb and an early start at midnight or one, where it is dark cold and where you use your head torch for the first few hours. you will rest and have coffee at Hans Meyers cave after about 2hours climbing. Depending on weather conditions the temperature can be as low as -25 c. At dawn you should reach Gilman's point and usually see a spectacular sunrise as you stand above the clouds. From here if you have enough energy left a further 1 and half hours walk lies ahead before you are standing on the highest part of the African continent- Uhuru Peak. A quick photo session and then you descend down to Kibo and then on to Horombo at 3720m - now a well-earned beer!! And good sleep. (11-12 hours hiking.

Day 7: Horombo – Hotel in Moshi. Descending across the moorland and into the forest to Mandara where groups usually have lunch. After lunch continue down to Marangu gate. (the descent is on the Marangu route). Then back to your Hotel to celebrate with the guides and the porters and of course tip them.

Day 8: Departure for Kilimanjaro airport. More information about Tanzania - best times to climb, precautions, checklist, medicine, Both the Shira and Lemosho routes are particularly beautiful and go through one of the few areas on the mountain rich in wildlife. Both start on the West side before meeting up with the Machame route at Shira camp after a few days. These routes offer more time to acclimate and stunning views