Project Description
Program Highlights
- Length: 7 days
- Itinerary category: Kilimanjaro trekking
- Destination: Mt Kilimanjaro via Rongai
- Route specifics: Rongai starts north of Kilimanjaro close to Kenyan border. It provides a more gradual slope and hence suited for climbers with less expereience
- Travel activity: Mountain trekking
- Major attractions: Africa’s highest mountain, five climatic zones
- Starting point: Moshi
- Ending point: Moshi/Arusha
Program Details
Day 1: Rongai Gate To Rongai Cave (2620 m)
Drive from the hotel in Moshit to Rongai gate for registration formalities and trekking preparations. Drive a while to reach the route’s starting point at 1950 m. Hike through the beautiful green rainforest to reach Rongai cave in the evening.
Day 2: Rongai Cave (2620 m) To Kikelewa Camp (3600 m)
Trek out of the rainforest while entering the moorland zone with such spectacular view. Proceed with the trail to reach Kikelewa camp in the afternoon. Have lunch upon arrival and gain energy for the next day.
Day 3: Kikelewa Camp (3600 m) To Mawenzi Tarn (4300 m)
Trek out of moorland zone into the alpine zone for a steep climb towards Mawenzi tarn. Arrive at the afternoon where you will have lunch upon arrival. Have the rest of the day off recuperating for the next day. Overnight stay at the tarn.
Day 4: Acclimatization Day At Mawenzi
Spend the day acclimatizing in order to allow your body getting used to high altitude. Take a walk exploring the mountainous landscape while heading to the Saddle towards Camel’s Back. Return back to the tarn by afternoon for lunch. Take personal time resting for the next day.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn (4300 m) To Kibo Hut (4700 m)
Trek through the alpine desert approaching the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The path leads on to Kibo hut where you will arrive at mid day. Have lunch upon arrival and take the rest of the day gaining energy. Drink as much water as possible and retire to bed early by 7:00 pm.
Day 6: Ascend To The Summit
Wake up around 23:00 for a cup of coffee and adding more warm clothes. Start climbing by midnight through the volcanic scree while approaching Stella point (5685 m). Reach at the summit at sunrise for spectacular view of glaciers. Take another round trip to finally reach Uhuru peak (the roof of Africa). Get time for photographs and some rest at the summit. Start descending to reach at Mweka hut in the evening for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Retrace To Mweka Gate (1640 m)
Hike through the rainforest to reach the final destination at Mweka gate. Get awarded with certificates where golden certificates are given to hikers who reached Uhuru peak and green to those who reached Gilman’s point. Show appreciation by tipping guides, cooks and porters. Get transferred to Moshi for much celebrating and hot shower.
