Kilimanjaro Rongai Route

Day 2: Rongai 2 Caves Camp (11,300 ft./ 3,450 m) After breakfast, we start our day with a 4-5 hour climb through the heather which will bring us to the second caves. If the weather is clear, a stunning view of Mawenzi will be in plain sight. We will enjoy stopping to see the interesting heather-zone flowers and plants which grow alongside the trail. Our day ends at the Rongai 2 caves camp where we will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.  

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (14,160 ft./ 4,315 m) Trek from the moorland and eventually into the stark highland desert towards Mawenzi, on trails not frequented by many tourists. From the Tarn Campsite you will enjoy a magnificent view across the saddle towards Kibo; your final target. Total trekking time is 5-7 hours. Dinner and overnight at Mawenzi Tarn camp.  

Kilimanjaro

Day 6: Horombo Camp (10,200 ft./ 3,110 m) We will wake up at midnight and depart from the camp at approximately 1 a.m. From our camp to the rim of the crater (Gillman’s Point (18,750 ft./ 5,712 m)) to Uhuru Peak, the trekking time is about 7 – 8 hours. Upon our departure, the temperatures will be between -0 to -10° C, and then from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. (just before sunrise), you can expect temperatures from -10° to -20° C. The slope is steep, with switchbacks, over loose rock and scree with some boulders as we near Gilman’s Point. We will stop at Hans Meyer cave on the way, the famous place Kilimanjaro’s first Western climber described in his journals. Once we arrive at Gilman’s Point at the edge of the crater (after approximately 5 – 6 hours), the trail to the summit is less demanding and is reached after a further 1½-2 hours along the snowy crater rim (depending on the season). After 3 hours of descending to Kibo Hut, we pause to rest and have some food before continuing on another 3 to 4 hours to reach Horombo Hut.