Kilimanjaro Climb

On a legendary trek of Africa’s highest and most famous mountain. A trek of 7 days on the Rongai Route. The Rongai Route is Kilimanjaro’s only route beginning from the north side, and few others are seen along the way. This route affords the opportunity to witness up-close the Mawenzi volcano, the second highest peak of Kilimanjaro, and the magnificent saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peak. Due to the rugged terrain and the limited acclimatization time, fitness plays a huge role in the enjoyment and success of this trek. Each day you see many changes of vegetation and scenery, due to the rising terrain and decrease in precipitation. The accommodation is in mountain tents and dining is in our mess tents. Chemical Toilet tents with convenient and sanitary portable flush toilets are set up at all camps.

Day 1:
Upon your arrival into Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met on arrival by a representative, who will escort you to your driver and vehicle for your transfer to the Legendary Lodge for check in and your overnight stay at the Legendary Lodge in a deluxe garden cottage room on half board basis.

Day 2:
After breakfast, you have a free day stay at leisure preparing for the trek ahead at Legendary Lodge. You will be staying on a full board basis at Legendary Lodge.

Day 3:
RONGAI GATE (6,550 ft / 2,000 m) - RONGAI 1 CAVES CAMP (9,285 ft / 2,830 m)
After an early morning briefing and gear check, you depart from the Legendary Lodge with the rest of your group by private transfer, taking approximately 3 hours’ drive to the Rongai Gate. After completion of administrative formalities and meeting with porters and guides, you will begin the 3 to 4 hour walk to the first camp. The walk is at a leisurely pace through fields and then into the rain forest. Arrive at the camp set in the heather, heading to the mess tent for a hot meal.

Day 4:
RONGAI 1 CAVES CAMP - RONGAI 2 CAVES CAMP (11,300 ft / 3,450 m) - KIKELEWA CAVES CAMP (11,800 ft/ 3600 m)
About 4-5 hours trek through the heather will bring you to the second caves. If the weather is clear, Mawenzi peak will be in plain view; a stunning sight! Trek upon the main trail through the moorland and towards Mawenzi’s steeply rising slopes, arriving in camp for a hot lunch, and a chance to acclimatize whilst exploring the surrounding landscape of bizarre plants and rock formations and caves.

Day 5:
KIKELEWA CAVES CAMP - MAWENZI TARN CAMP (14,160 ft / 4,315 m)
Trek from the moorland, eventually reaching the highland desert, towards Mawenzi on trails not frequented by many tourists. From the Tarn Campsite you will enjoy a magnificent view of Mawenzi, with its steeply rising rock spires. Total trekking time is 5-7 hours.

Day 6:
MAWENZI TARN CAMP - OUTWARD BOUND CAMP (15,585 ft / 4,750 m)
The trekking time today is 5 - 7 hours, though it is a relatively easy hike across the wide saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The trek takes you across the massive saddle, the crossing is impressive and the landscape spectacularly stark. When you reach your camp, you’ll prepare all your gear for the night ahead, and turn in early to rest

Day 7:
OUTWARD BOUND CAMP - UHURU PEAK (19,340 ft / 5,895 m) - HOROMBO CAMP (10,200 ft / 3,110 m)
You will be awoken at 00:00, and depart the camp at about 01:00. From your camp you will be heading 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.

The following descent to Mweka Camp is about 5 – 6 hours. Total trekking time is 12 – 14 hours. At your 01:
00 departure, the local temperatures will be between -0 to -10° C, and then from 04:00 to 06:00 (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 you near Gilman’s Point. You will stop at Hans Meyer cave on the way, the famous place where Kilimanjaro’s first western climber described in his journals. Once you arrive at Gilman’s Point (after about 5 - 6 hours) at the edge of the crater, 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, there is a pause for rest & food, then another 3 to 4 hours to reach Horombo Camp.

Day 8:
HOROMBO CAMP - MARANGU GATE (5,900 ft / 1,800 mt.) – LEGENDARY LODGE
Descend straight to the gate (5 - 6 hours), where you’ll have lunch and will be awarded your climbing certificates. Meet your Private transfer back to Legendary Lodge for a much-welcomed shower and a hearty dinner. All meals and your overnight stay will be at Legendary Lodge in a deluxe garden cottage.

Day 9:
After breakfast and free time at the Legendary Lodge, you will meet your private transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport, from here you will connect with your international flight.

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