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6  Days

Rongai Route

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Tour Overview

The Whisky route passes through different habitats while providing beautiful scenery.

Day 1: Arusha – Nale Moru Village – First Cave

After breakfast, at 9am, meet the climbing team (guides, porters) and transfer to Marangu Gate (120km) reaching an altitude of 1600masl. After permit formalities, transfer (approximately 2 hours) to the Rongai trailhead.

Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through beautiful country. The first night’s camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 metres.

There is a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just down the trail below First Cave.

Day 2: First Cave – Second Cave – Kikelwa Cave

The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find some. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelwa Caves)

Day 3: Kikelwa Caves – Mawenzi

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.

Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.

Day 4: Mawenzi – Kibo

Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp.

Day 5: Kibo – Hans Meyer Cave – Gillman’s Point – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut

You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot.

The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly.

From Gillman’s Point, you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut.

After a short rest, you gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening, you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Day 6: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate

After breakfast, at 7am, with box lunch, take a walk down to Marangu gate.

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TANZANIA TRAVEL

Specialist

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to tanzania tell us what you want, and we will tailor make your perfect trip.

What’s included:

  • Delicious meals a day, boiled and filtered drinking water while on the mountain.
  • All park entrance, camping, and rescue fees
  • Warm water for washing to be provided every morning and evening.
  • Oxygen Cylinder – only for emergency
  • English Speaking Guides (Wilderness First Responder certified), cook and porters
  • Staff salaries and fees.
  • Transport to/from national park gates.
  • First aid kit and pulse oximeter.
  • Emergency telephone between the guides and our office in Moshi town.
  • 3 liters of bottled drinking water to be provided on the first day of your hike, on the mountain porters will fetch water from the streams to be boiled and filtered for you.

What’s Not included:

  • Prices Do Not Include Sleeping Bags
  • Gratuities
  • Soda/Alcohol Unless Otherwise Noted
  • Health Insurance
  • Visa Fees
  • International Airfare
  • Laundry
  • All Meals And Drinks In Moshi Town

Start Planning Your Truly Bespoke Itinerary By Contacting One Of Our Destination Specialist.

Call/Whatsapp

+255 78 4991 576

recommended on tripadvisor

Author picture

TANZANIA TRAVEL

Specialist

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to tanzania tell us what you want, and we will tailor make your perfect trip.

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