CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO VIA THE RONGAI ROUTE – 7 DAYS

DAY 1:  RONGAI GATE TO FIRST CAVE'S CAMP 
Elevation (m): 1950m to 2600m, Distance: 8km, Time: 4 hours  Habitat: Montane Forest.

We will register at Marangu Park Gate and then transfer (approximately 2 ½ hours) to the Rongai trailhead. We will meet our porters before you begin your trek from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before climbing gently through a pine forest. The first night's camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600m altitude.

DAY 2: FIRST CAVE TO KIKELEWA CAVE 
Elevation (m): 2600m to 3600m, Distance: 9km, Time: 6 - 7 hours  Habitat: Moorland.

The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelewa Cave at 3600 meters. From here the views start to open up and you will see for yourself how huge a mountain Kili really is. We overnight at Third Cave Camp (Kikelewa Caves).

DAY 3: KIKELEWA CAVE TO MAWENZI TARN
Elevation (m): 3600m to 4330m, Distance: 6km, Time: 4 hours, Habitat: Moorland.

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330 m), 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. 

DAY 4: MAWENZI TARN
Elevation (m): 4330m , Habitat: Moorland.

We will spend an extra day at Mawenzi Tarn to acclimatize. We will be able to trek and explore around Mawenzi Tarn and also rest ready to continue our trek up Kilimanjaro tomorrow. 

DAY 5: MAWENZI TARN TO KIBO CAMPSITE
Elevation (m): 4330m to 4750m, Distance: 4 km, Time: 3 hours, Habitat: Alpine desert

We cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4750m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent tomorrow!   

DAY 6: KIBO CAMPSITE TO UHURU PEAK TO HOROMBO HUT
Elevation (m): 4750m to 5895m, Distance: 6 km ascent/16km descent, Time: 6-8 hours ascent/4-5 hours descent Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.

We will rise around 23.30 hours and after some tea and biscuits. We will start our ascent. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). We then zigzag up to Gillman's point (5681m), on the crater rim. This section is very steep with much stone scree and is the most demanding section of the route. From Gillman's Point we could encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction - you made it! Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long we can spend, taking photographs, before we descend back to Kibo Hut and then Horomobo where we will stay overnight. Later in the evening we enjoy our last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 7: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE 
Elevation (m): 3720m to 1980m, Distance: 20km, Time: 5-7 hours, Habitat: Moorlands.

After breakfast we continue our descent, passing Mandara Hut, down to the Marangu Gate where you will receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will meet you to drive you back to the Hotel.