A DETAILED ITINERARY FOR MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB- 6-DAY RONGAI ROUTE

Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town before you begin your six-day expedition via the Rongai route. There, you will meet our guide, who will brief you on your upcoming trek and check your equipment to ensure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear that is missing can be rented on this day.

Day 1: Rongai Gate (1,950 m) to Rongai First Cave (2,620)
-Distance: 6.5km
-Trekking time: 3-4 hours
-Zone: Rainforest.
On day one, Rongai Route trekkers are driven from Moshi or Arusha to Marangu Gate for registration before being shuttled a further 70 kilometers on poor roads to the Rongai Start Point at 1,950 meters. The trek begins at Nale Moru village and follows a gradual, winding trail that crosses maize fields before entering the rainforest. The first day's hiking is easy, and you will arrive at Rongai First Cave (2,620 meters) around mid-afternoon, where you can freshen up and have dinner.

Day 2: Rongai Cave (2,620 m) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m)
-Distance:12km
-Trekking time: 6-8 hours
-Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone.
On the second day, the hike continues from Rongai First Cave through the rainforest before transitioning into the low alpine moorland zone, where you will notice the vegetation changing to shrubs and grasses. You will stop for lunch at Rongai Second Cave (3,450 meters), 6km from the First Cave Camp, before returning to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters) for your overnight stay. Depending on your tour operator, trekkers on an eight-day journey might stop at Rongai Second Cave for the night before proceeding to Kikelewa Camp.

Day 3: Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m) to Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 m)
-Distance: 4km
-Trekking time: 3-4 hours
-Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone.
Day three on the Rongai Route involves a short yet steep climb from Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 meters), which rests in the shadow of the magnificent Mawenzi Peak. You will arrive at Mawenzi Tarn in time for lunch and will have the whole afternoon to explore the surrounding area for acclimatization.

Day 4 : Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 m) to Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
-Distance: 9km
-Trekking time: 8-10 hours
-Zone: High alpine zone.
Day four involves a long yet gradual hike from Mawenzi Tarn heading west through the Saddle, between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi, up to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters). The route is dry, barren, and somewhat inhospitable, but it offers spectacular views of Kibo. At Kibo Hut, dinner will be served, and you will go to bed early, as you'll be awoken around 23:30 to begin your summit attempt. Trekkers should remember to prepare their gear, including headlamps, cameras, insulated water, and warm weather clothing before sleeping. Note: Seven- and eight-day trekkers typically hike from Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut on day four. They then trek to Kibo Hut again on day five before continuing to Uhuru Peak on days six and seven.

Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,700 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and then Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
-Distance: 5.5km ascent and then 15km descent
-Trekking time: 6-8 hours to the summit and then 5-8 hours to Horombo Hut
-Zone: Glacial, high, and low alpine zones.
Day five begins at midnight. After being awakened with tea and biscuits, you will start your ascent in the dark along a rocky path to the first checkpoint, Hans Meyer Cave, at 5,150 meters. You should take a break here and refuel with an energy bar. The route zigzags and increases steepness as you approach Gilmans Point 2-3 hours later, at 5,681 meters. You are now on Kibo's crater rim- a significant achievement! However, you still have a 200-meter ascent to trek to the summit, Uhuru Peak, at 5,895 meters. Dig deep to find the reserves and mental stamina necessary to push yourself up the final slopes. At Uhuru Peak, you can stay briefly before descending back to Kibo Hut and then on to Horombo Hut. In total, you will be trekking for upwards of 12-16 hours. It will be one of the longest days of your life, but well worth it! Here's the good news: beers can be purchased at Horombo Hut!

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) to Marangu Gate (1,870 m)
-Distance:20km
-Trekking time: 6-8 hours
-Zone: Low alpine zone and rainforest
The final day from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,870 meters) is a long one, nearly 20km! Your knees will be sore from the previous day's hike, so go slowly and ensure your footing as you descend, using your trekking poles to limit the impact on your joints. You will now sign out at Marangu Gate, where you signed in six days ago. Those who reached Gilmans Point but no farther will receive a green certificate. Trekkers who made it to Uhuru Peak will receive a gold certificate certificate. This marks the end of the Kilimanjaro trek via the 6-day Rongai route.

Depart Tanzania
The day is set aside for relaxing after the trek before your flight home. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have the opportunity to explore Moshi town and pick up some souvenirs before heading to the airport. If you wish to continue exploring Tanzania, Safari tours, Zanzibar trips, and other add-ons are available.