Day 1: Rongai Gate (1950 to 2600m, 5 hours, Montane Forest).
You will register at Marangu park gate with your transfer to the Rongai trail head. At Rongai, you will meet your guide and the porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. This small winding path crosses maize fields entering pine forest and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is a gentle hike through beautiful country. This first night‘s camp is at first cave. It has a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water is also found just down the trail below First Cave.
Day 2: 1st Cave 2600 to 3600m.
The trail continues upwards to Kibo; passing the second cave enroute, then and reaching Kikelelwe cave at about 3600 m. The view starts to open and you will get a feeling that you are on a really big mountain. Water here is in the obvious stream below the cave; although you will have to wander downhill a way to find some .
Then overnight at Kikelelwe Cave Camp.
Day 3: From Kikelelwe cave to Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
You will have a short but steep climb up the grassy slopes which offer superb views of the wilderness area. The vegetation here ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn. This is situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. You will then spend an afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut.
You will continue ascending on the east side of Kibo; crossing the saddle between mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours in order to reach Kibohut. Then spend the rest of the day resting in preparation for final ascent. This will begin at mid night.
And finally, overnight at Kibo Camp.
Day 5: From Kibo Hut to Uhuru peak and Horombo hut.
After your breakfast, you will shuffle off into the night. It is really a tough going since the first trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer cave which is also good for resting. This pass then continues to Gilman‘s point which is located on the crater rim. The section is so steep and requires a great physical and mental effort. You will do a Kilimanjaro shuffle and move slowly. You will encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak. This is the highest point in Africa.
You will take photos before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After your rest, you will tghen gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo Hut where you will spend a night. The total return to the Horombo hut will seem surprising fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is 14 hours. Then later in the evening, you will have your dinner and overnight on the mountain; filled with much memories and emotions.
Day 6: From Horombo Hut to Marangu.
Have breakfast. After, you will continue passing through Mandara hut, down to Marangu gate. Here you will sign in your names and details in a register. Then receive your certificates. Those that reached Gillman’s point are issued with green certificates and those that reached Uhuru peak receive Gold certificates. Finally, you will drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower. this will conclude your 6 days Mt Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari
