Tour Timeline
Day 01
Day 1
Rongai Gate (1950m) - 1st Caves camp (2600m)
Registration and formalities at Marangu park gate followed by a transfer (by car) (approximately 2 ½ hours) until the departure point from the Rongai track. Getting to know the guide and his team. Beginning of the hike in the Nale Moru village. The track climbs very gradually through cornfields before entering a pine forest … The climb is definitely not steep but done by a little sloping path through a beautiful landscape. First night in the “First caves” camp at 2 600 meters. Toilet, tables and wooden benches but no refuge. The night is spent in tents.
Day 02
Day 2
1st Cave (2600m) - Kikelewa Cave (3600m)
The trek continues with the Kibo in focus. Once past the “Second Cave” (3 450m), the landscape opens and a” high mountain “atmosphere is discovered. In the afternoon, we reach the “Kikelwa Cave” at 3600 meters. A mountain stream flows just below the location. Second night in “Kikelwa caves” camp at 3 600 meters. The night is spent in tents.
Day 03
Day 3
Kikelewa Cave (3600 m) - Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m)
A short but steep step. Very nice view on very wild landscapes. All vegetation disappears upon reaching the third step, “Mawenzi Tarn.” Spectacular location at the foot of the Mawenzi’s rock towers. The afternoon goes on by acclimatizing and dicovering the lunar landscapes. Overnight in “Mawenzi Tarn” camp at 4 330 meters. The night is spent in tents.
Day 04
Day 4
Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) - Kibo hut (4700m)
We continue climbing to the east side of the Kibo. The vegetation has disappeared leaving room to a desert. It is necessary to force yourself to walk slowly and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of high altitude deserts and the landscape. Arrival at Kibo Hut, the refuge at 4 700 meters. The night is spent in the refuge.
Day 05
Day 5
Kibo hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo hut (3720m)
Very early departure during the night. The slope is steep and steady, the actual ascent begins. Stop on the way, at Hans Meyer Cave. The cold becomes very intense. After 5/6 hours of walk, at first light of dawn, you will arrive at Gillman’s Point (5685 meters). The first summit, that is to say the edge of the crater. The true summit Uhuru Peak (Peak of freedom) at 5 895 meters, achieved in 1 ½ of walk on the snowy ridge of the volcano: Africa’s summit and crowning achievement of all your sufferings: you can then count 1 ½ hour to reach Gillman’s Point and again 2 hours to reach Kibo Hut before arriving at Horombo Hut.
Day 06
Day 6
Horombo hut (3720m) - Marangu Gate (1980m)
Easy descent towards the starting point of the trek, passing through Mandara Hut. Picnic along the way. Arrival at Marangu Gate 5 hours later.
