6 DAY 5 NIGHTS RONGAI ITINERARY

DAY 1: Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave Camp 1.

Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Pick up from your hotel after breakfast and drive to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey, dinner and overnight at Rongai Cave camp 1.

Day 2: Rongai Cave camp 1 to Kikelewa Cave camp

Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,811ft

Distance: 12km

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Heath

We begin this morning after breakfast with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft

Distance: 5km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.

DAY 4: Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Elevation: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

DAY 5: Kibo Hut to UHURU PEAK back to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut.

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft

Distance: 16 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours.

Habitat: Heath

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and Back to Arusha town.

Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft

Distance: 20 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Arusha END OF THE TREK

MOUNTAIN TREK PACKAGE INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS

The Prices quoted includes:

Day before hike commencement: kit checklist, orientation, and trek briefing
Transportation to and from Arusha to the entrance of Mount Kilimanjaro and back
Government Tax (VAT), entrance permits to Mt. Kilimanjaro Park, costs for camping or huts, park rescue fees, and crew admission fees
Skilled and knowledgeable mountain guides, chefs, and porters
Double-occupancy mountain tents suitable for four seasons.
A 2-inch-thick foam mattress, known as a mountain sleeping pad
Solar lamps, tables, chairs, and tents
During a mountain hike, eat fresh, well-balanced, and nutritious food and meals.

The Price does NOT include:

Travel paperwork, flight tickets, and visa fees
Additional food and beverages served at the hotel during the first evening (lunch or supper)
Additional hotel meals and beverages on the first evening (lunch or supper)
After the hike, giving the climbing workers a tip
After the trek, accommodations and an airport transfer can be scheduled for an additional fee.

Costs of additional services:

The cost for pickup and drop-off at Kilimanjaro Airport is $30 per person, each trip.
A single addition costs $50 for a single tent.
Extra porter: $20 per day for extra stuff
An additional night in a double room costs $40 or more, depending on the hotel.
Renting a sleeping bag (synthetic, -20F), $50 per trip
Telescopic trekking poles can be rented for $20 per trip.
An oxygen canister with a bottle costs $40 per journey and should only be used in an emergency.