The Rongai route has beautiful views and each day of walking progresses through a different climate zone, adding considerably to the interest of the trek. The real highlight is approaching the mountain from the north, summit from the east, and descent on the east. That will give you an opportunity to see Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks from day two of the trek, on the way to the summit you will go by Gillman and Stella's points before reaching the summit. Along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The views on a clear morning are absolutely magnificent - the Rift Valley, Mt. Meru, and the Maasai Steppes stand out from the endless plains almost three vertical miles below as the sun rises behind Mawenzi.
Itinerary
Arrival Day and transfer to a hotel in Arusha - day one
Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to the
Ilboru Safari Lodge or similar nearby Arusha for the night. [BLD]
Acclimatization day and short safari day to Arusha National Park - day two
Visit Arusha National Park to view wild animals found in typical safaris including buffalo, wildebeests, dik-diks, giraffes, and various primates. Return to Ilboru Safari Lodge for a late lunch and relaxation. Before dinner meet with your guide to receive a briefing of your trek plans and review the packing of your gear.
Arusha to Rongai Gate and trek from Rongai Gate to Rongai Camp - day three
Altitude: 6,396' to 8,530'; Hiking time: 3-4 hours
This morning you'll depart Marangu for a 2.5-hour drive on an unpaved road to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your climbing staff and begin hiking from the village of Nale
Moru. The winding path wanders along maize and sugar cane fields before entering the pine forest, then climbs gently through a forest sheltering a variety of wildlife, including the Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. Our campsite is on the edge of the moorland zone with expansive views of the Kenyan plains and Kibo peak above. Overnight at Rongai Campground [BLD]
Trek from Rongai Camp to Kikelewa Cave Camp - day four
Altitude: 8,530' to 11,320'; Hiking time: 6-8 hours
Set off with Kibo in front today for a challenging ascent to the "Second Cave" where you will relax and eat a hot lunch with superb views of Kibo and the ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, we head east towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, where we camp in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves campground. [BLD]
Trek from Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Turn Hurt Camp - day five
Altitude: 11,320' to 14,210'; Hiking time: 3-4 hours A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before we reach our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. We'll take a short acclimatization hike this afternoon which will take us to 15,500 feet, preparing us for the altitude of Kibo Hut that we'll reach tomorrow. Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Hut. [BLD]
Trek from Mawenzi Turn Hut Camp to Kibo Hut Camp - day six
Altitude: 14,210' to 15,580'; Hiking time: 4-5 hours we cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut. The trail is fairly straight today but the distance will be deceptive. We arrive at Kibo Hut in time for lunch and the remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent. Spend half of the night before final ascent at Kibo Hut [BLD]
Trek from Kibo Hut Camp to Summit, return to Kibo Hut Camp and down to Horombo Hut Camp - day seven
Altitude: 15,580' to 18,650' (Gillman's Point) to 19,340' (summit) then down to 12,200'; Hiking time: 12-16 hours Begin the final, steepest and most difficult part of the ascent at 12:00am. Hike slowly on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point. Along the way, we pass the markers of Rest for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. For those who feel strong enough, continue (3 hrs roundtrip) to Uhuru Peak passing close to spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs in the summit area. Descend to Kibo for lunch and a rest then continue down the Marangu route to our Horombo Camp for the night. [BLD]
Trek from Horombo Hut Camp to Marangu Gate - day eight
Altitude: 12,200' to 6,250'; Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Descend steadily through the moorland, past Mandara Hut, and through a lush rain forest to the Marangu park gate, and drive back to Arusha to Ilboru Safari Lodge or similar for a hot shower and overnight. [BLD]
Preparation, Travel, shopping day with a dayroom - day nine
A day room will be provided for you. In the morning go for shopping for goody souvenirs around Arusha back to the Hotel for lunch pack your duffle earlier evening dinner and transfer to the airport for home departure.
Inclusion
All transport – 4WD safari vehicles
Accommodation as detailed – roomy in hotel and tents when camping
Camping equipment, (except sleeping bags and insulation mats)
Services of guides, cooks, and porters
All National Park entrance and campsite fees
All food – breakfasts, packed lunches, and evening meals
High altitude emergency equipment, Garmow Bag, Oxygen tank supplement, and pulse oximeter during climbing
Private portable flushing and chemical toilet (during the climb)
Katadyn Combi Microfilter, to filter drinking water
Flying doctor evacuation service, in case of an emergency
Exclusions
International flights
Travel and personal accident insurance
Visa, passport, vaccinations, medicines
Tips
Expenditure on alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, personal items
Optional excursions/activities not detailed in the itinerary
Any additional services requested
Reviews
Elevate Trekking and Safaris
Trekking and Safaris
By filling out this form, you’ll be sending an enquiry to Elevate Trekking and Safaris who will be able to provide you with more information about this expedition.
Expedition Information
$4,121
Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4
Kilimanjaro ,
Arusha National Park
Trekking
Fitness Level
3
Technical Level
3
Group Size
2-14
Ratio
2:3
Continent:
AfricaCountry:
TanzaniaLocation:
KilimanjaroElevation:
5,895 m / 19,340 ftGPS:
-3.06743 N°, 37.3556 E°Continent:
AfricaCountry:
TanzaniaLocation:
Arusha National ParkElevation:
2,600 m / 8,530 ftGPS:
-3.06743 N°, 37.3556 E°