Karibu Kilimanjaro
At 5,895 m, Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa. This volcanic massif stands in splendid isolation above the surrounding plains, with its snowy peak looming over the savannah. The mountain is encircled by mountain forest. Numerous mammals, many of them endangered species, live in the park.
The mountain is famous and most popular worldwide with people wanting to conquer the summit, the highest point on the entire continent of Africa. While the tourism industry has developed well around the splendid mountain the treks and surroundings remain untouched and take every climber back to nature with a truly exhilarating experience.
6 Night / 7 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb: Rongai Route
Day 1: Transfer from Moshi Town to Rongai Gate, via Marangu Gate, Ascend to First Camp
Altitudes: Rongai Gate (1950m) – First Camp (2600m)
Hiking time: Approximately 5 hours
Distance: Approximately 8 Kms
Habitat: Montane forest
Your climbing adventure starts from Moshi Town as you are transferred to the Marangu Gate for registration after which you will be on your way to Rongai Gate, about 2.5 hours away. Your hike begins at Nale Moru Village, winding through the countryside and initial Corn Fields that give way to the forest. The first night’s camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 metres. Hot beverages, snacks and a hot dinner will be waiting for you at the First Cave Camp.
Day 2: Ascend from First Camp to Kikelewa Caves
Altitudes: First Camp (2600m) – Kikelewa Caves (3600m)
Hiking time: Approximately 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 17 Kms
Habitat: Moorland
After an early morning start your trail will continues up towards Kibo. En route, you will be passing the Second Cave Camp Site (3450m), before reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 metres above sea level. The scenery around this point provides for some magnificent views, especially as the forest gives way to open planes. Hot beverages, snacks and a hot dinner will be waiting for you at the Kikelewa Caves.
Day 3: Ascend from Kikelewa Caves to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Altitudes: Kikelewa Caves (3600m) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)
Hiking time: Approximately 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 7 Kms
Habitat: Moorland
Todays trek heads South from Kikelewa Caves, gradually climbing up the ridge to a steeper area leading all the way to the awe inspiring Mawenzi Peak. Mawenzi Tarn Camp, at 4330m, is located beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi, a spectacle that provides for amazing photographic opportunities. Hot beverages, snacks and a hot dinner will be waiting for you at the camp site.
Day 4: Ascend from Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut
Altitudes: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) – Kibo Hut (4703m)
Hiking time: Approximately 6
Distance: Approximately 8 Kms
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today is a relatively short day with a simple trek up to Kibo Hut at 4703m. The trek crosses the “Saddle”, the area between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo, so called because of its saddle-like shape. Your arrival at Kibo Hut will will be greeted by some hot beverages as well as an early dinner. Your day is best spent resting as much as you can, in preparation for the summit attempt at midnight tonight.
Day 5: Summit Attempt: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Horombo Hut
Altitudes: Kibo Hut (4703m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)
Hiking time: Approximately 8 hours ascent, Approximately 6 hours descent
Distance: Approximately 6 Kms ascent, Approximately 21 Kms descent
Habitat: Stone Scree and Ice-Capped Summit
Your summit ascent begins around midnight, the final 1195m to the highest peak in Africa. You’ll be having some quick tea and biscuits to warm you up for the climb before hitting the trail. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillmans point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring considerable physical and mental effort. This is categorized by climbers as the most arduous part of the climb. From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.
Weather conditions as well as your own personal conditions will determine how long you spend on the summit. You will be descending to Kibo Hut where you will get a short breather before continuing your descent all the way to Horombo Hut. The total amount of time spent walking on this day is can be around 14 hours(+/-), climbers need to be physically and mentally prepared for this section of the climb.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Altitudes: Mweka Camp (3100m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 27 Kms
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, full of energy, you will continue your descent (approximately 5 hours) passing the Mandara hut down to the Marangu gate. Upon arrival and registration at the gate successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillmans Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates. Your transfers to Moshi Town will be waiting for you at the gate upon your arrival.
Cost
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