5 Days Rongai Route

You depart Moshi for Nalemuru Gate, which takes about 5hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Upon arrival at trailhead, you eat lunch, and then commence through wide path winding through fields of maize and potatoes, prior to entering pine forest that is home a various wildlife species. As the forest begins to thin out, you enter the first camp at the edge of the moorland zone (2,625m/8,612ft). This location ghastly extensive view of the  Kenyan plains.

Time: 3hrs to 4hrs 

About 6 km (Rongai to Simba Camp)

You continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As you ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the first Cave, then second Cave for hot lunch before proceeding to third Cave. The view of Kibo Peak is amazing.

Time: 9 hrs to 10 hrs (Simba Camp to Third Cave)

About 13km (Simba Camp to Third Cave)

The steady ascend continues, soon reaching the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo. You should reach Kibo Camp at elevation of 4,720 by midday. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final rewarding ascent the following day.

Time: 6hrs to 7 hours (Third Cave to Kibo Camp)

About 12km (Third Cave to Kibo Camp)

A very early start as you set off by the light of our headtorches, on a zigzag trail on rough volcanic scree. It is a tough 5 to 6hrs climb of almost 1000 Meter to the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685m), which is a convenient point to rest and watch the sunrise on Mawenzi. It is a further 2-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa. Usually in the early morning, the conditions are clear and there are panoramic views over the crater, to Mawenzi and Mount Meru (4565m), looking very small below us. This part of the route takes us through a moonscape of volcanic rock and remnant glaciers with their impressive ice cliffs. After
admiring the summit views and taking the obligatory summit  photos we pat ourselves on the back for this awesome Achievement. you then retrace your path around the crater rim you make a rapid descent to the Kibo Hut (4700m). You will have lunch here, before setting off on the long descent to your camp at  Horombo (3720m). A long day trekking – but so rewarding.

Time: 11 hrs (up and down) 

About 16.5km (up and down)

As you descend from Horombo, you begin to encounter more vegetation and the lower part of the route is through pine forest. We pass the traditional first camping place on the Marangu Route at the Mandara Huts and continue our descent to the Marangu Gate (1800m). You will say fond farewell to our trusty guide, staff and the porters who have helped us during the past week and pick up our certificates of ascent, you will have Lunch with our Mountain Crew before transfer to our hotel. For the climbers who do have a flight to catch, we will drive back to our office in Moshi for quick shower and short rest before you are transferred to the respective airport for your inbound or outbound flight.