RONGAI ROUTES FOR 7 DAYS.

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp

Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

1. Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
2. Distance: 6km/4mi
3. Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
4. Habitat: Montane Forest

Day 2: Hike Simba Camp to Second Cave

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.

1. Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
2. Distance: 6km/4mi
3. Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
4. Habitat: Moorland

Day 3: Hike Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp

Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.

1. Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft
2. Distance: 9km/5mi
3. Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
4. Habitat: Semi-desert

Day 4: Hike Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.

1. Elevation: 3600m/11,800ft to 4330m/14,200ft
2. Distance: 6km/4mi
3. Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
4. Habitat: Semi-desert

Day 5: Hike Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early.

1. Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft
2. Distance: 9km/5mi
3. Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
4. Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6: Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly "pole pole" and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

1. Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3700m/12,200ft
2. Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
3. Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
4. Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 7: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour). Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

1. Elevation:3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
2. Distance: 20km/12.5mi
3. Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
4. Habitat: Forest

Package includes:

1. Private transport from the hotel to the Park s gate (starting point for the climb), and transport back to the hotel after the climb
2. Park entry fees
3. All camping fees
4. Rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Park rescue team fees)
5. Government taxes
6. Evacuation services
7. Friendly and competent Trained Mountain Guides, assistant guides, porters and professional cooks.
8. 3 full fresh meals daily. We provide fresh food on the mountain in plentiful and well prepared by skilled professional cooks(we also consider your choice of food that you would prefer -Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian). Menu especially designed for climbers.
9. Hot drinks on the mountain and Hot water for washing will be provide everyday on the mountain.
10. Quality specious tents, sleeping mats, camping tables ,camping chairs and Mess/Dining Tent.(Not applicable on the Marangu route as accommodation is in A-frame huts)
11. Supplementary Portable Oxygen and Complete First Aid Kit (used in case of emergency only)
12. Pulse oxy-meter carried by all chief guides
13. 3-4 liters of mineral/treated water (per Climber) provided daily during the climb
14. ***Portable toilet available at an additional cost (There are public toilets on the mountain)

Do not include:

1. Items of a personal nature
2. Tips for guides, porters and cook (average tip is anything from US$200 to US$ 250 per hiker - depending on number of days / how many hikers in the group and route chosen)
3. Personal Hiking/Trekking gears (Some Gears are available for Rent)
4. Snacks, personal medicine and water purifying tablets
5. Meals, drinks and snacks not specified.