6 Days Rongai Route

Hiking time: 5 hours
Distance: About 8 km’s
Habitat: Mountain forest
Depart from your hotel in Arusha and drive for one hour towards the Marangu Gate for registrations as Rongai Gate. After registration we will drive two hour and half to the starting point of the Rongai Route. The hike begins from the village of Nale Moru. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest and then climbs gently through the forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through the beautiful country side. The first night you camp at First Cave, about 2,600 m. There is a washing room available and water is brought by the crew from down the trail below the First Cave.

Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Moorlands
The trail continues up the hill towards Kibo, passing the Second Cave (3450m) en- route, and arrives at Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 metres. Here the temperature can drop to freezing point at night. When the clouds open and the view is clear, you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Overnight at 3rd Cave Camp (Kikelewa Caves).

Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorlands
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. It’s one of the greatest days on the mountain, you spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.

Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast continue ascending on the east side of Kibo through the saddle between Mawenzi peak and Kibo, the hike takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut where the view of the summit is incredible. Here you relax for the rest of the day and prepare for the final ascent, which begins at midnight. After an early dinner you retire to you tents for an early night.

Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru – 6 hours to descend to Horombo
Distance: 6 km’s ascent – 21 km’s descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Here you wake up to start the ascent around midnight. After a light breakfast you get ready to start the most mentally and physically challenging part of this adventure. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5681m) on top of the Crater-rim. Conquering the crater-rim is very steep and challenging with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This part is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly under the support of our team of professionals. From Gillman’s Point snow is 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 can spend taking photographs before a 3-hour descent back to Kibo Hut for a short time to relax. After you head down to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: About 27 km’s
After breakfast depart with a picnic lunchbox to the Horombo Hut and walk down the hill through the beautiful mountain forest. Arriving at the Marangu Gate at about 4pm where our driver is waiting to drive you to your hotel in Arusha.
The route can be extended to 7 days by spending extra night at the Mawenzi Tarn or Kekelwa campsite before heading to Kibo Hut.