7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing via Rongai Route

Great Lake Expedition Ltd

Climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro on a 7-day trek via the Rongai Route. Enjoy the stunning views of the wilderness area as you hike up the mountain.

Moshi

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Climb Mount Kilimanjaro on a 7-day trek via the Rongai Route. Enjoy a unique wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant, and buffalo. Benefit from the expertise of a professional guide and all necessary equipment.

Day 1: Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave
Drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.

Day 2: Rongai Cave to Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Begin the day with a steady incline up to Second Cave. Continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.

Day 3: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As you exit the heath zone and emerge into the alpine desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Camp beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn.

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Camp at Kibo Hut, at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall. Enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (around midnight), begin the push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. Ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft), be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
On the last day, continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.