7-Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trek with Extra Acclimatization

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be met by an Exuberant Kilimanjaro Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening, attend a briefing at the hotel to prepare for the climb ahead, followed by a group dinner - an opportunity for everyone to get to know each other before the climb.
• We drive to Marangu to complete the necessary registration formalities before continuing to Rongai. The climb begins from Nale Moru (6,400 ft) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering a pine forest. The track then climbs consistently but gently through an attractive forest that shelters various wildlife, including the Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long 'cape' of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out at the edge of the moorland zone. We then take in expansive views over the Kenyan plains as we arrive at our first campsite at Rongai One (8,500 ft) for dinner and an overnight stay. [3-4 hours walking]

The seven-day option offers an extra day for acclimatization and is highly recommended.

A six-day option is also available: 6-Day Rongai Route.

No hut is required.

Camping accommodation is available at all camps.

Elevation (ft): 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft

Distance: 7 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

• The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (11,300 ft), with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and head southeast across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley decorated with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (11,800 ft). [6-7 hours walking] Dinner and overnight at Rongai Two Camp.

Elevation (ft): 9,300 ft to 11,811 ft

Distance: 12 km

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Heath

• Superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness reward this short but steep climb. We leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut (14,200 ft), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon is free to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization. [3-4 hours walking] Dinner and overnight at Kikelelwa Camp.

Elevation (ft): 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Today is set aside for acclimatization, with a walk up onto the Saddle towards Camel's Back. Camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut (14,200 ft). [2-3 hours walking]

Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 14,400 ft to 14,160 ft

Distance: 4 km

Hiking Time: 2-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

• We cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) at the bottom of the crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the early morning final ascent. [5-6 hours walking] Dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut.

Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

• We start the final and most demanding climb by torchlight at around 1 a.m. We trek very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (18,600 ft). We rest here briefly to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshments, we continue descending to Horombo Hut for dinner and an overnight stay (12,200 ft). [11-15 hours walking]

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,205 ft

Distance: 22 km

Hiking Time: 10-13 hours

Habitat: Arctic

• A steady descent takes us through moorland to Mandara Huts (8,900 ft). We then continue descending through a lovely lush forest on a good path to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Marangu (6,000 ft), where we are transferred back to the hotel in Moshi. [5-6 hours walking]

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft

Distance: 20 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

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