Rongai Route

7-8 Nights

Day 1:AIRPORT-HOTEL

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the night (a range of hotels are available dependent on your budget). In the evening you will meet your guide and have a Mountain Briefing to prepare you for the climb. You will also be able to hire equipment if required. Dinner at the hotel followed by an early night.

Day 2: Marangu Gate (1900 m) to Mandara Hut (2720 m)

Hike time: 4 hrs Elevation change: +820 m Final elevation: 2720m The climb begins at the Marangu Gate. After signing in you will enjoy an easy hike through spectacular tropical rain forest. You will reach your hut in the early evening.

Day 3: Mandara Hut (2720 m) to Horombo Hut (3720 m)

Hike time: 5-6 hrs Elevation change: +1000 m Final elevation: 3720 m Departing from Mandara the path continues through the forest. After a couple of hours you will suddenly emerge from the forest to amazing views of the Uhuru Peak. The path crosses rolling, Erica clad moorland to reach Horombo Hut at 12,000 feet after a total of about six hours. Horombo a small village and is usually busy. Many people spend two nights here on the way up as well as one on the way down.

Day 4: Horombo Hut Acclimatisation Day (3720 m)

This day helps to prepare you for the push to the summit. An easy stroll to the Saddle by the right hand path takes you close to Mawenzi. You then return to Horombo for dinner and overnight. p>

Day 5: Horombo Hut (3720m) to Kibo hut (4700 m)

Hike time: 6 hrs Elevation change: +980 m Final elevation: 4700 m Departing Horombo Hut you continue through the moorland passing the 'Last Water Point' before the slope eases as you reach the high altitude desert expanse of The Saddle. The walk to Kibo hut is not so challenging but the view of the summit path you will take tomorrow may disturb you! Kibo Hut is very cold at night. You'll probably have a head-ache and not want to each much. You must drink as much as possible.

Day 6: Kibo Hut (4700 m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Horombo Hut(3780m)

Kibo Hut to the Summit, down to Horombo Hut Kibo 4,700M (15,420 ft) to Summit 5,895M (19,340 ft) back to Horombo 3780 (12,285 ft) Km/miles of walking 10 km (6 miles) Time: 14 to 16 hrs Hike time: 15 hrs Summit time: 7 hrs

Elevation change: +1195 m, -920m Final elevation: 3780 m After leaving Kibo Hut in the middle of the night, the gradient increases rapidly tackle the scree slope of the crater rim. The main problems are psychological and you should walk slowly and rhythmically. As you near Gillman's Point (the lowest point on the rim),the sky lightens and rocks appear around you. The highest point, Uhuru Peak, is further than it looks. The walk round the rim to Uhuru is fairly level but takes around two hours there and two back, so only continue if you are feeling fit. 

Day 7: Horombo Hut (3100m) to the Marangu Gate (1800 m)  ,Elevation change: -1300m Final elevation: 1800m 

Descent time: 6 hrs Descend through the changing vegetation until you reach the gate where you can sign out and receive your certificates. You will then be transferred to your hotel to relax and have a well-earned drink.

Day 08: Departure 

  Morning proceed on with your personal final errands. Late afternoon transfer to JRO ready for your flight back home.. If you wish to carry on your Tanzanian Adventure and go on safari, we can arrange this for you starting the next day.