7 Days/6 Nights
Nalemuru Gate (1950m) and First Camp (Simba) 2700m Hiking Time: 5 hrs Distance: 9kms Habitat: Cypress plantations and heather. You shall drive from your hotel in Moshi to Marangu Gate where you shall finish all the registration formalities and continue to Nale moru village at the Nale moru gate at 1950m. Here your shall do the final preparation for theclimb and shall continue through the cultivated land and entering the pine forest where Colobus monkeys can be viewed. Overnight shall be at the first camp also known as Simba camp at 2700m.
First camp (Simba) 2700m and Second cave 3450m Hiking Time: 3hrs Distance: 5kms Habitat: Heather and Erica. After breakfast you shall pass on the way the first cave at 3500m and continue to the second hut at 3450m which is about 3kms but you shall have gained only 150m altitude. You shall have a very good view of Kibo and the eastern ice fields of the crater rim. You shall have your lunch, dinner and overnight at Second cave .
Second Cave3450m and Third Cave 3800m Hiking Time: 5hrs Distance: 10kms Habitat: Semi Desert. After breakfast you shall continue your steady ascent to the third cave and not forgetting to keep on drinking water all the time as its very necessary at the high altitude. Here you shall be very close to the eastern ice fields of the Crater rim. Its very important to have a very Good night sleep tonight as you shall have to climb summit the next night so no sleep, rest little and trekking only. Lunch, dinner and overnight at Third Camp (3800m).
THE ACCLIMATIZATION DAY Third Cave 3800m and Half way to Mawenzi Tarn Hut-Third Cave. Hiking Time: 3hrs Distance: 5kms Habitat: Desert. You hike from the Third Cave to half way up to Mawenzi Tarn Hut and return to Third Cave for Hot Lunch. Dinner and Overnight at Third Cave.
Third Cave 3800m and School Hut Camp 4750m Hiking Time: 3hrs Distance: 5kms Habitat: Desert. You hike through rocky moonlike land scape to School Hut at 4750m. This Hut has been renovated by Hauser Excursion International. The exclusive use of the hut gives much better chances to rest in preparation for the next day’s challenge.
SchoolHut4750-Summit-Uhurupeak 5895m-Horombo Hut Campsite 3720m Hiking Time: 6hrs ascend 11hrs descend Distance: 17kms Habitat Stone scree and Ice capped summit. After a short night and hot drink, the final ascend starts at about midnight. (The reason for this is to see the sun rise over Mawenzi from the top of Kibo, the loose stone scree is frozen and making it easier to climb, and you can get back in good time). The first part is an uneven trail, which leads to the Hans Meyer Cave at 5150m, a good rest point. After that, the trail makes more regular switch backs most of the way to the top, with a last scramble over rocks to Johannes Notch and Gillman’s Point, 5681m at the crater rim where you shall need all your mental and physical strength as it is the steepest section of your trek. From there, the trail continues past Stella Point to Uhuru Peak at 5895m the highest point of Africa. At the top there are stunning views of the ice walls offset by rugged rocks. After a fast descent to Kibo Hut for a meal and rest, continue to descend to Horombo Hut Campsite.
Horombo Hut Campsite 3720m and Marangu Gate 1980m Hiking Time: 6hrs Distance: 27kms Habitat: Forest. An easy descend to Marangu Gate at 1980m via Mandara hut at 2700m At the Marangu gate the successful climbers shall get their certificates and transfer to Moshi to your Hotel. Don’t forget to tip your guides, cooks and porters. Dinner and Celebration.
Rongai route like Marangu route-coca cola is nicknamed as Nale Moru or Loitokitok route, is the least travelled and unspoiled route where the ascent is from the northeastern side of the mountain, along the border of Tanzania and Kenya at Loitokitok border. Local wildlife here are greater than any other routes. Troops of colobus monkeys, elephant droppings, buffalo dung etc. Unlike Marangu route where you sleep in huts, on Rongai route you sleep in Tents, well erected by the well-trained porters. The descent of this route shall be at the Marangu Gate.
NB: Minimum 4 Pax; Less than 4 pax an additional of $220 per person.