This route located eastern side of the mountain and it begins just south of the Kenya-Tanzania border through farmland and forest to several other climate zones, adding interest to the trek.
There are magnificent views over the Kenyan Plains and genuine possibilities for wildlife viewing. This route normally takes 5 days or 6 days, however you can opt 7 days depend with your time and budget.
Accommodation
You will spend two nights at Kiliwonders hotel in Moshi before and after the climb. The room would be shared per two person but private rooms can be available based on a request. Mobile tent would be shared in the mountain two persons per tent, but personal tent also can be provided based on a request.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrivals day
We will meet and drive from Kilimanjaro International airport to your hotel in Moshi rest for a while and later meet your guide for gear checking and briefing about the mountain. Also our guide will go through our camping gear and demonstrate the use and operation of all equipment especially emergence oxygen cylinder and pulse ox meter, our guide as well will explain signs and symptoms of various mountain sicknesses which might happen while trekking.
Day 2: Drive from hotel to Rongai gate and hike to Simba camp
- Rongai Gate (2,020m/6,627ft) to Simba Camp (2,600m/8,530ft)
- Hiking distance: 6km
- Hiking time: 3–4hrs
- Mountain zone : Montane Forest
- Overnight: Simba Camp (All meals included)
Today we will drive about 3 hour from hotel in Moshi to Rongai gate for registrations and collect entrance permit. You will have lunch and meet your Kilimanjaro crew, after hiking will start through crossing village of Nalemuru fields of maize and potatoes before entering the Montane forest. The climb is consistently and gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife like blue monkeys and black and white Colobus Monkeys. You will reach the first campsite at the edge of rain forest and overnight.
Day 3: Trekking from Simba Camp to Third Cave
- Simba Camp (2,600m/8,530ft) to Second Cave (3,450/11,319ft) to Third Cave (3,800m/12,467ft)
- Hiking distance: 13km
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hrs
- Mountain zone : Moorland
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.
Overnight: Third Cave Camp (All meals included)
Day 4 : Trekking to Kibo Hut Camp
- Third Cave (3800m/12,467) – Kibo Camp (4,720m/14,930ft)
- Hiking Distance: 12km
- Hiking Time: 6-7hrs
- Mountain zone : Alpine Desert
The steady ascend continues, soon reaching the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo. You should reach Kibo Camp at elevation of 4,720m by midday. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final rewarding ascent the following day.
Overnight: Kibo hut (All meals included)
Day 5 : Summit day , Hike from kibo hut to Uhuru peak
- Kibo Camp (4,720m/14,930ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) descend to Horombo (3,720m/12,205ft)
- Hiking Distance: 16.5km
- Hiking Time: 11hrs up and down
- Mountain Zone: Ice Cap
A very early start as you set off by the light of our head-torches, 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
Overnight: Horombo Hut Camp (All meals included)
Day 6: Descend to Marangu Gate 1800m /5906ft
Horombo Camp (3,720m/12,205ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,906ft)
Hiking Distance: 19km
Descending Time: 6-7hrs
Mountain Zone: Montane forest
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 hot 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 hotel for quick shower and short rest before you are transferred to the respective airport for your inbound or outbound flight
Day 7: Drive back to JRO
As per your flight details we will drive you back to Kilimanjaro international airport for departures or you can join us for the safaris
What’s included?
- 4 nights’ accommodation in mobile tent
- 2 night hotel accommodation in Moshi (1 night each before/ after trek)
- All government taxes
- Camping equipment such as tents, chairs, tables, and sleeping mattresses
- Private mobile toilet
- Kilimanjaro entrance, camping, and rescue fees
- Pulse ox-meter and emergency oxygen cylinder
- Services of an English-speaking guide, cook, and porters
- Airport transfer on arrivals and departures
- Transfer from Moshi to Kilimanjaro national park and back to Moshi
- International certificates for a successful ascent
- Free storage of excess baggage not required on the mountain hike
What’s not included?
- Extra overnight at the hotel
- Immunization documents (yellow fever recommended for visa application on arrivals)
- International and local flights
- Personal equipment such as boot, backpack, sleeping bag, etc.
- Personal expenses
- Tips for Kilimanjaro crew (recommended at least 250USD per clients)
- Travel insurances
- Visa fees (100 USD for American and 50 USD for non-American)
- Extra luggage’s above 15kgs
- Subjected increase in government taxes
7 Days climbing via Rongai Route