6 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE
Duration
6 Days
Area to visit
Simba camp, Kikelelwa Camp, Kikelelwa Cave, Mawenzi Tarn Camp, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak, Horombo Hut, Marangu Gate.
Full Itinerary
DAY 1: Rongai Start Point (1996m) – Simba Camp (2626m)
Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through a beautiful country side. The first night’s camp is at Simba Camp (2 626m). The camp facilities include a public toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 2: Simba Camp (2626m) – Kikelelwa (3679m)
We hike from Simba camp up towards Kibo till 3 482m for lunch at First Caves, a distance of 5.8km. After lunch we continue trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3679 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water can be found in a obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelewa camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 3: Kikelelwa Cave (3679m) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4303m)
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4303m) – Kibo Hut (4730m)
After breakfast we head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo hut.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 5: Kibo Hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3705m)
You will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot.
The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.
Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it
Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest at Kibo hot, you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Included
DAY 6: Horombo Hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m)
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. Met and transfer to Arusha Town, overnight at Naura Apartment (Bed & Breakfast)
Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. (It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely).
At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates.
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INCLUSIONS ON SAFARI
- Park fees & crater fees
- Concession Fees/Camping fees (where applicable)
- Accommodation on full board
- A professional English driver/guide
- Transport on 4WD vehicle (land cruiser with a pop-up roof top)
- Transport on 4WD vehicle (Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof top)
- Drinking bottled water (2 liters per person per day)
- VAT where applicable
EXCLUSIONS ON SAFARI
- International flights
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Personal items (travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Travel insurance and medical repatriation
- Items of a personal nature/personal toiletry requirements (souvenirs, etc.)
- Tips to the driver/guide
- Statutory increase beyond our control including any changes in government tax/fee.
- Covid -19 PCR test Government fees (USD 100 per person). To be paid directly
- Any other item (s) not indicated in the cost include.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
