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What's included
Day 1: Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave
- Elevation (ft): 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
- Distance: 7 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
After stopping at the Marangu Gate for permits, we proceed to the wooden village of Nale Moru, where the trailhead begins. The trail winds through corn and potato fields, and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Black and White Colobus Monkey. We camp at Rongai Cave.
Day 2: Rongai Cave to 2nd Cave to Kikelewa Cave
- Elevation (ft): 9,300 ft to 11,811 ft
- Distance: 12 km
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Health
After breakfast we begin the morning hike with a steady incline and reach 2nd Cave while en-route to Kikelewa Cave. Views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim begin to emerge.
Day 3: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
- Elevation (ft): 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
The hike today is short and steep, up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the alpine desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn
- Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to14,400 ft to 14,160 ft
- Distance: 4 km
- Hiking Time: 2-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
This is an acclimatization day. We hike steadily up a ridge with fantastic views on both sides; the landscape is rugged and rocky. After spending a few moments exploring Mawenzi Ridge, we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp. Extra days on the trail give our bodies the opportunity to acclimatize and assist with summit day.
DAY 5: Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
- Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
The trail climbs gradually across the rocky lunar landscape as we traverse the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. Our campsite for the night sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting and preparing for the final ascent in the early morning.
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Point to Horombo Hut
- Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,205 ft
- Distance: 22 km
- Hiking Time: 10-13 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
We wake in the middle of the night and begin the final push to reach the Roof of Africa. The trail to Gilman’s Point is very steep and the ascent will be slow and steady. From Gilman’s, it is a traverse along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. We stay at the summit for a short time, to take photos and enjoy the views, before retracing our steps to all the way back to Horombo Hut.
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
- Distance: 20 km
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
A long trek is in store for today, however it is mostly downhill. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate we pick up our certificate that proves our achievement and catch our vehicle transfer to hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
The main itinerary difference between the Rongai 6 day and 7 day routes is the additional acclimatization day at Mwenzi Tarn.
