Day 1
Rongai Gate (1,800m/5,900ft) to Simba Camp (2,600m/8,400ft)
Elevation Gain: 760 meters, 2,000 feet
After an early breakfast, drive to the Rongai Gate
near the Kenya border. After registering at the gate, begin your climb
to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. During the first day, hike through
forests where you may see and hear wildlife. Eat lunch on the trail
before continuing to the first campsite. Rongai ascends via the less
forested northern side of the mountain.
The Rongai Route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro
because of the long drive to the gate. The Rongai trail is thought to
have the best chance of viewing wildlife.
Day 2
Simba Camp (2,600m/8,400ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,000 meters, 3,280 feet
During day two hike through Kilimanjaro's moorland.
The Rongai route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter
hiking times. During this day, view Mawenzi Peak ahead.
Day 3
Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 730 meters, 2,390 feet
This day is an acclimatization day, allowing you to
hike in the beginning of the day and rest in the afternoon and evening.
The hike is relatively short but steep. The Mawenzi Tarn campsite is
situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi
and Kibo.
Day 4
Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft)
Elevation Gain: 420 meters/1380 feet
Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle on this day
to arrive at the final campsite. Kibo Camp is situated directly below
the Kibo cone, giving you views of your final destination.
Day 5
Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters, 3,760 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters, 7,140 feet
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru
Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the
light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most
challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you
reach the crater rim at Gilman's Point.
The hike from Gilman's to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as
hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long
and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon
reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before
beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.
Day 6
Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,920 meters, 6,295 feet
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to
Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing
through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent,
as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu
Gate to take you back to Moshi. You will be able to buy t-shirts and
sodas at the gate.
Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be
leaving them here. A vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi,
where it is definitely time for celebration!
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