Starting from the northeastern side of the mountain near the Kenyan border, the Rongai Route rises above the Amboseli plains and approach the summit of Kilimanjaro west of the Mawenzi peak.There are two variations to this route. You can choose to attempt the summit via Mawenzi Tarn Hut or via School Hut which is also referred to as the Outward Bound Hut. The former is longer and more popular.
Arrival: Optional airport transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport to your hotel in Moshi.
Activity: Pre-trek briefing at your hotel. Arrive at least one day before the trek starts to review your equipment and rent any necessary gear.
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
We will head out across the moorland on a smaller path toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios nearby.
This short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded with superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, 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. If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.
Cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach the Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early.
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we will commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point, located on the crater rim (elevation: 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing onward, 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 will descend, stopping for lunch at Kibo before continuing to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most challenging part of the trek, with many switchbacks. Going slowly and having an optimistic attitude will get you there!
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through the moorland and into the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the national park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
