Kilimanjaro Climb: Rongai Route

On arrival you will be met and transferred to Keys Hotel, a basic hotel offering comfortable accommodation, an ideal place to overnight before and after a Kilimanjaro expedition. A climb briefing is scheduled for today in order to meet your guides and discuss the expedition in more detail.

Accommodation: Keys Hotel

After breakfast you will be transferred by road (approx. 3-4 hours drive) along the eastern side of Kilimanjaro to the Rongai Gate in the north of Kilimanjaro National Park from where your hike starts.  A short slow hike will take you through a pine plantation that leads up into the thicker rainforest on the foothills of the mountain. Enjoy time taking in the natural surroundings, take a photo and nibble on your packed lunch that we provide. Spend your first night on the mountain at Simba Camp on the edge of the rainforest.

Accommodation: Simba Camp KIlimanjaro

On day two you trek higher up on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro leaving the montane forest behind. The path takes you into the Kikelewa Moorland area with fantastic mountain vegetation such as Proteas (Protea kilimandscharica), Impatiens (impatiens kilimanjari), daisies (euryops brownie). Enjoy great views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. Giant Senecious grow nearby the sheltered valley of Second Cave, where you will spend the night.

Should you choose to do the Rongai Route hike as a 6 day/5 night climb, you will continue to Kikelewa Camp (10 km/6.2 ml; 6-7 hours) on this day and not overnight at Second Camp.

Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp

A steep, but short hike leads you over grassy terrain to the base of Mawenzi Peak. The views from here are spectacular into Kenya's plains below. The vegetation diminishes as you gain altitude towards the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak. Spend the night at Mawenzi Tarn camp next to a little lake.

Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp

After breakfast you pass through the lunar desert of the Saddle. This is the lava covered expanse between the two peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Though the walk is not far, progress is slow due to the altitude. Spend the night at the base of Kibo Crater at Kibo Camp. Settle in for an early night as your final ascent will start around midnight.

Accommodation: Kibo Huts Camp

Wake up very early to have a quick bite to eat and something warm to drink before setting out in darkness. The hike to Gillman's Point is a very slow steep walk on volcanic scree for about 5-6 hours. The headlamps on the trail towards the summit almost look like fireflies in a long row. As you approach the crater rim you will enjoy the most memorable sunrise you may ever experience - the sunrise over Africa! Often you see the curving of the earth at this high altitude and the sunrise on the horizon just accentuates it. Keep your camera ready at all times as there are plenty of photo opportunities along the summit. Once you reach Gillman's Point on top of the crater rim, you have approximately another hour's hike to get Uhuru Peak is in sight. Hike along fairly flat terrain for about 1 1/2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak.

Spend a few minutes at the top and get that photo of you next to the sign marking the summit - definitely one for your collection.

Descend from Uhuru Peak in high spirits as you have just achieved your goal. The trail down from Gillman's Point on the Marangu route is often enjoyed by hikers sliding down the scree slope, which entails skidding down the loose gravel with big steps and some sideways moves. Try it, it is fun! With every step going down your body enjoys having more oxygen to breathe in. Depending on how you feel, you may enjoy a short rest at Kibo Camp before descending down to Horombo Hut where you spend the night.

Accommodation: Horombo Huts Camp

Enjoy a slow hike through the rainforest to Marangu Gate. Take time to enjoy the lush vegetation with the Old Man's Beard (tree moss) growing on the giant trees as well as some Giant Ferns towering high over the forest bed. The path has many steps leading you down to Marangu Gate where you may find a cold beer or soft-drink to start celebrating your assault of Kilimanjaro. You will be transferred back to Moshi, Keys Hotel, to overnight and celebrate (breakfast included). This evening your guides will meet you to hand out your Kilimanjaro Certificates.

Accommodation: Keys Hotel

The Kilimanjaro Expedition comes to an end. Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or continue on a safari or relaxing beach holiday.

Liaise with your head guide regarding tips - we recommend an amount of USD190-USD220 per climber for a 6-day climb (based on 4 climbers in a party), which the guide will apportion out amongst the group. Whilst the above figure is anticipated for a job well done - anything above that is totally at your discretion. In accordance with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project guidelines, we've introduced a system where every climber, on completion of the climb, completes a form with the amount that you are giving as a tip.

We also do regular high tech clothing donations in conjunction with Cape Union Mart (South African outdoor gear company, www.capeunionmart.co.za) to the porters and guides in Kilimanjaro to assist them in being properly prepared for these climb expeditions.