Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trekking Itinerary

After an early breakfast in Marangu, you will drive to the Rongai (Nalemoru) Gate near the Kenya border. We begin our climb on this unspoiled wilderness route. The walk then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

The first day is only a half-day walk. [3-4 hours walking]

? On-mountain night — camping (or huts on the Marangu route). Every climber stays the same way each night; there's no accommodation tier to choose on the mountain itself.

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, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our “Upper Kikelelwa” campsite is on a small plateau above a sheltered valley with giant senecios past Kikelelwa Caves (3,750 m.) [7-8 hours walking]

? On-mountain night — camping (or huts on the Marangu route). Every climber stays the same way each night; there's no accommodation tier to choose on the mountain itself.

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at “Mawenzi” (4,300 m.), spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. [3-4 hours walking]

? On-mountain night — camping (or huts on the Marangu route). Every climber stays the same way each night; there's no accommodation tier to choose on the mountain itself.

We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach the “School Hut” 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! [5-6 hours walking]

? On-mountain night — camping (or huts on the Marangu route). Every climber stays the same way each night; there's no accommodation tier to choose on the mountain itself.

We will start the final and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We 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.) We will 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 School (4,700 m.) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720 m.). [11-15 hours of walking].

? On-mountain night — camping (or huts on the Marangu route). Every climber stays the same way each night; there's no accommodation tier to choose on the mountain itself.

A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue descending through the lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m.). [5-6 hours of walking].

Dinner and overnight at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort: Bed, Dinner, and Breakfast included.

DEPARTING DAY: