Tour Overview
1 day less doesn’t mean you won’t approaches the summit of Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. As considering a very similar route to compare with Marangu. It is one of Kilimanjaro’s easier routes. The climb to the top is gradual and steady. However, unlike Marangu, this route has low crowds and passes through remote wilderness areas. Remember is the only route where seeing wildlife in the first days is possible.
Day 1: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
approx. time taken: 4-5 hours
This morning we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.
Day 2: Simba Camp (2625m) to Kikelelwa Camp (3630m)
Distance covered: 10km / 6.2mi
approx. time taken: 6-7 hours
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch at cave camp we carry on with a steady ascent walking though moorland. There are superb views of the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanoes which form the mountain. We will leave the main trail and strike out across moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the second of Kilimanjaro's volcanoes. We will set up camp today in the sheltered valley near Kikelewa caves at 3630m.
Day 3: Kikelelwa Camp (3630m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi Approx. time taken: 4-5 hours
This morning we have a short but steep ascent up grassy slopes which is rewarded by a superb view of the Kenyan plains to the north. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut directly below the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. This afternoon you have chance to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization.
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
We leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo After a couple hours trekking, reach this spectacular place, with the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background and our trail to the high camp stretched out before our eyes. Upon reaching our camp the remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation of the final ascent after a very early night!
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
approx. time taken: 8 hours
Today is “The Big Day” - the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 - 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 - 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hours
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.
Full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) accommodation.
All game drives viewing in a custom built 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser
All park and entrance fees
Transfers to and from the airport
Transportation with 4x4 vehicles with viewing roofs
Professional driver/guide during the safari.
Bottled water in safari vehicles
Current Government taxes and levies
24-Hour support during the safari from our office in Arusha
Local or International flights
Balloon excursion (US$600 pp.)
Entry visa to Tanzania.
Travel and health insurance
Gratuities to your guide, hotel staff.
Any other items of a personal nature, laundry, telephone and postage
Item of personal Nature