Rongai 6 Days

After having an early breakfast, we drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.

Distance: 8km
Habitat: Montane Forest
Time: 3 to 4 hours

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Distance: 9km
Habitat: Moorland
Time: 6 to 7 hours

Today we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.

Distance: 7km
Habitat: Semi – desert
Time: 2 to 3 hours

Hike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day!

Distance: 5km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Time: 3 to 4 hours

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (5685m), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. On the crater rim, you have Gilman’s Point from where you’ll trek to Stella Point (5756m) and finally ascend all the way to Uhuru Peak (5895m) the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking photographs at the roof of Africa and your accomplishment, you will start descending to Kibo Hut. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours. At Kibo Hut will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. after lunch we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Distance: 22km
Habitat: Alpine desert/ Arctic summit / Moorland
Time: 7 hours to Uhuru /3 hours back to Kibo/ 3 hours to Horombo

On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Distance: 19km
Habitat: Montane Forest
Time: 6 to 8 hours

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.