6 Days Rongai Route

Drive to Nale Moru, a lovely wooden town (approximately 2 hours, including a stop in Marangu for permits). After signing in and prepping the porters, you will start the climb on a broad trail that goes through corn and potato farms before entering the pine forest. The trail then begins to ascend steadily but gently through lovely woodland that supports a variety of species. The woodland begins to thin out, and the first camp sits on the verge of the moorland zone, with panoramic views of the Kenyan plains.

Elevation ranges from 2000m (6560ft) to 2650m (8700ft). Distance is 6km (4 miles).
Hiking Duration: 3-4 hours.
Habitat: montane forest.
Meals: Lunch and dinner

The morning climb is a gradual rise to the Second Cave, which offers stunning views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Elevation ranges from 2650m (8700ft) to 3450m/11,300ft. Distance is 6km (4 mi).
Walking time: 3-4 hours.
Habitat: moorland.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Today we will continue our walk from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.

Elevation ranges from 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft. Distance is 9km/5 mi.
Walking time: 2–3 hours
habitat: semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Hike to the Kibo Hut at the base of the Kibo crater wall. The rest of the day is spent recuperating in preparation for the last ascent, which begins extremely early!

Elevation ranges from 3880m (12,700ft) to 4750m (15,600ft). Distance is 5km (3 miles).
Hiking Duration: 3-4 hours.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing to the Horombo encampment.

This climb begins in the dark and requires headlights or flashlights. It will be chilly until you start descending, so bring all of your warm garments. This is by far the most challenging section of the climb, with several switchbacks. Going gently "pole pole" and with a positive mindset will get you there!

Elevation ranges from 4700m (15,500ft) to 5895m (19,340ft) and then drops to 3700m (12,200ft).
Distance: 6 km/4 mi up and 15 km/9 mi down.
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up/down.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

After breakfast, we make a slow descent across the moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue down along the lovely woodland route to the National Park entrance at Marangu. At lower levels, it may be damp and muddy. Gaiters and hiking poles will assist. Shorts and T-shirts should suffice (have rain gear and warm clothes available).

A Monkey Adventures van will meet you at the Marangu gate and transport you back to your hotel in Moshi (approximately an hour).

Elevation ranges from 3700m (12,200ft) to 1700m (5500ft), with a distance of 20km (12.5 miles).
Hiking Duration: 4-5 hours.
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast