|  | Experienced guides consider this climb easier and even more scenic than the Marangu main trail.
| The Rongai route begins in attractive farmland and delightful forest, with the possibility of wildlife viewing, and passes through several different climate zones, adding considerably to the interest of the trek. An extra day is also added to the standard five-day itinerary to ensure maximum acclimatization and give to give you the best possible chance to enjoy the magnificent scenery. Tents will be provided. |
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| Start: Nairobi
Scheduled flights: Nairobi Airport | Day 1 Arusha or Moshi Kilimanjaro
Transfer from Nairobi by shuttle bus. Lunch in Arusha. Drive to Moshi. There will be a briefing during lunch. Transfer to Moshi and Marangu, dinner and overnight at Marangu Hotel. | Day 2 First Camp
After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, you transfer by Land Rover to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950 m.) on a small 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, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with long 'capes' of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains of Tsavo and Amboseli. 3-4 hours walking. | Day 3 Kikelewa Caves
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the 'Second Cave' (3,450 m.) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, you leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Your campsite nestles in a sheltered valley of giant Senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3.600 m). 6-7 hours walking. | Day 4 Mawenzi Tarn
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb sweeping vistas and a tangible sense of wilderness. Vegetation is left behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m.), spectacularly situated on 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 acclimatisation. 3-4 hours walking. | Day 5 Kibo School
Cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach School campsite (4,750 m.) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! 4-5 hours walking. | Day 6 Horombo
You will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. You plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (5,685 m.) Rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m.) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, continue the descent to reachy our final campsite at Horombo (3,720 m.). 11 - 15 hours walking. | Day 7 Moshi or Arusha
A steady descent takes you down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. Continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m.). 5-6 hours walking. It is easier to go down than up. Packed lunch on way down. Dinner and overnight at Marangu Hotel. | Day 8 Arusha
Transfer to Arusha for Nairobi shuttle or flights to Zanzibar. | End: Nairobi, Mountain trekking
Scheduled flights: Nairobi Airport | Group size
Minimum: 2 | Rate Includes
. Full Board (during climb)
. Park, camp, rescue & hut fees
. Transfers to and from Nairobi/Arusha | Rate excludes
Insurance, dinner on Day 1, gratuities & beverages | Note:
Private and group departures available. Please speak to a consultant.
Christmas supplement applies. |
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