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Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the world's most accessible high summits, via the Rongai Route. Camp on the mountain as you cross small hills and changing landscapes, from lush forest and heath to alpine desert, on your way to Uhuru Peak. Along the route, take in amazing wilderness views, witness sunrise from high on the mountain, and complete your climb with pride as you collect your summit certificate.
At Gilman's Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits.
Take a short ride to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest, home to various wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.
Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Start with a steady incline up to the Second Cave.
Continue trekking through the moorland and leave the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi.
Arrive at Kikelewa Cave at night.
Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles hiking
Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
Take a short but steep hike to a grassy slope with your Kilimanjaro guide.
On reaching the top, take in the stunning views of the wilderness.
Exit the heath zone and emerge into the alpine desert zone, where the landscape changes dramatically.
Reach your camp beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi at Mawenzi Tarn.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the area.
Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization or hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi.
After spending some time exploring the area, head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.
Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft-14,400 ft
Distance: 2 km/1 mile
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn
Climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo.
Reach your camp at Kibo Hut, which sits at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall.
Upon arrival, get some rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for summit day.
Elevation (ft): 14,160 feet to 15,430 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Start your day early, around midnight, and begin your 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), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak.
Finally, arrive at Uhuru Peak - the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, descend to Horombo Hut.
Later in the evening, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
On your last day, enjoy a long trek, mostly downhill, through the tropical rainforest.
Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate, collect your summit certificates.
Meet a vehicle to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Where this trip takes you
Rongai Gate rainforest, Mawenzi Tarn beneath Mawenzi, Gilman's Point sunrise, Uhuru Peak
The route
The fine print
Accommodation for two days in a hotel
All meals and water while trekking
Porters
Tax
Kilimanjaro guides
Transport to the gate
All necessary trekking gear
A pair of hiking sticks.
One (1) - hiking boots, warm and waterproof.
1 headlight torch with extra batteries.
One (1) - sleeping bag, warm, four seasons.
One (1) - trekking poles, collapsible, highly recommended.
One (1) - headlamp with extra batteries.
One (1) - duffel bag, 50-90L capacity, for porters to carry your equipment.
One (1) - daypack, 30-35L capacity, for you to carry your gear; may be rented on location.
One (1) - gym shoes to wear at camp, optional.
Three (3) - socks, wool or synthetic.
One (1) - gaiters, waterproof, optional.
Trip receipt.
Passport.
Visa (available at JRO).
Immunization papers.
Insurance document.
One (1) - brimmed hat for sun protection.
One (1) - knit hat for warmth.
One (1) - balaclava or buff for face coverage, optional.
One (1) - gloves, warm and waterproof, recommended.
One (1) - gloves, thin.
1 camera with extra batteries.
One (1) - waterproof jacket, breathable, with hood.
One (1) - insulated jacket, synthetic or down.
One (1) - soft jacket, fleece or soft-shell.
Two (2) - long-sleeve shirts, lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric.
One (1) - short-sleeve shirt, lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric.
One (1) - waterproof pants, breathable, side zipper recommended.
Two (2) - hiking pants.
One (1) - fleece pants.
One (1) - shorts (optional).
One (1) - long underwear, moisture-wicking fabric.
Three (3) - underwear, moisture-wicking fabric recommended.
Two (2) - sports bras (women).
Toiletries.
Prescriptions.
Sunscreen.
Lip balm.
Insect repellent containing DEET.
First aid kit.
Hand sanitizer.
Wet wipes - recommended.
Snacks, lightweight, high-calorie, high-energy (optional).
Electrolytes, powder or tablets - optional.
One (1) power bank.
One (1) - sunglasses or goggles.
One (1) - backpack cover, waterproof, optional.
One (1) - water bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz).
One (1) - water bladder (Camelbak type, 3 litres).
One (1) - towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional).
One (1) - pee bottle, to avoid leaving the tent at night, recommended.
Stuff sacks, dry bags, or plastic bags of various sizes to keep gear dry and separate.
Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 6-7 Days
Overview: There are seven established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro - Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, Northern Circuit, and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain; Mweka is used only for the descent. The Lemosho, Shira, and Northern Circuit routes approach from the west. The Rongai Route approaches from the north. The illustrations below depict a three-dimensional view of Kilimanjaro's climbing routes and a close-up of the approaches to the summit. Kilimanjaro is one of the world's most accessible high summits, a beacon for visitors worldwide. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing, and determination.
Location
Size: 1,668 sq km (641 sq miles).
Location: Northern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi.
128 km (80 miles) from Arusha.
About one hour's drive from Kilimanjaro Airport.
Activities
Six usual trekking routes to the summit and other more demanding mountaineering routes.
Day or overnight hikes on the Shira Plateau.
Nature trails on the lower reaches.
Trout fishing.
Visit the beautiful Chala Crater Lake on the mountain's southeastern slopes.
When to go
The clearest and warmest conditions are from December to February, but it is also dry, and colder, from July to September.
To avoid altitude sickness, allow a minimum of five nights, preferably even more, for the climb. Take your time and enjoy the beauty of the mountain.
Recommended Gears List
A pair of hiking sticks.
One (1) - hiking boots, warm and waterproof.
1 headlight torch with extra batteries.
One (1) - sleeping bag, warm, four seasons.
One (1) - trekking poles, collapsible, highly recommended.
One (1) - headlamp with extra batteries.
One (1) - duffel bag, 50-90L capacity, for porters to carry your equipment.
One (1) - daypack, 30-35L capacity, for you to carry your gear; may be rented on location.
One (1) - gym shoes to wear at camp, optional.
Three (3) - socks, wool or synthetic.
One (1) - gaiters, waterproof, optional.
Trip receipt.
Passport.
Visa (available at JRO).
Immunization papers.
Insurance document.
One (1) - brimmed hat for sun protection.
One (1) - knit hat for warmth.
One (1) - balaclava or buff for face coverage, optional.
One (1) - gloves, warm and waterproof, recommended.
One (1) - gloves, thin.
1 camera with extra batteries.
One (1) - waterproof jacket, breathable, with hood.
One (1) - insulated jacket, synthetic or down.
One (1) - soft jacket, fleece or soft-shell.
Two (2) - long-sleeve shirts, lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric.
One (1) - short-sleeve shirt, lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric.
One (1) - waterproof pants, breathable, side zipper recommended.
Two (2) - hiking pants.
One (1) - fleece pants.
One (1) - shorts (optional).
One (1) - long underwear, moisture-wicking fabric.
Three (3) - underwear, moisture-wicking fabric recommended.
Two (2) - sports bras (women).
Toiletries.
Prescriptions.
Sunscreen.
Lip balm.
Insect repellent containing DEET.
First aid kit.
Hand sanitizer.
Wet wipes - recommended.
Snacks, lightweight, high-calorie, high-energy (optional).
Electrolytes, powder or tablets - optional.
One (1) power bank.
One (1) - sunglasses or goggles.
One (1) - backpack cover, waterproof, optional.
One (1) - water bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz).
One (1) - water bladder (Camelbak type, 3 litres).
One (1) - towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional).
One (1) - pee bottle, to avoid leaving the tent at night, recommended.
Stuff sacks, dry bags, or plastic bags of various sizes to keep gear dry and separate.
Logistics
Your 7 days finish where they began, in Moshi.
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