Séjour :

Distance: ~6.5km / 3.5 miles. Trekking time: 3-4 hours. Zone: Rainforest.

On day one Rongai Route trekkers are driven from either Moshi or Arusha to Marangu Gate for registration before being shuttled a further 70 kilometres on poor roads to the Rongai Start Point at 1,950 meters. The trek begins from Nale Moru village and follows a gradual and winding trail that first crosses maize fields before entering the rainforest. The first day hiking is easy going and you will arrive at Rongai First Cave (2,620 meters) around mid-afternoon, where you can freshen up and have dinner.

Distance: ~12km / 6.5 miles . Trekking time: 6-8 hours. Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone.

On day two the hike continues from Rongai First Cave through the rainforest before transitioning into the low alpine moorland zone where you will notice the vegetation change to shrubs and grasses. You will stop for lunch at Rongai Second Cave (3,450 meters), 6km from the First Cave Camp, before turning east to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters) for your overnight stay. Depending on your tour operator, eight day trekkers might stop at Rongai Second Caves for the night before proceeding to Kikelewa Camp.

Distance: ~4km / 2.5 miles. Trekking time: 3-4 hours. Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone.

Day three on the Rongai Route is a short, but steep climb from Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 meters) which sits in the shadow of the magnificent Mawenzi Peak. You will arrive at Mawenzi Tarn in time for lunch and then have the whole afternoon to explore the surrounding area and acclimatise.

Distance: ~9km / 5.5 miles Trekking time: 8-10 hours Zone: High alpine zone .

Day four is a long but gradual hike from Mawenzi Tarn heading west through the Saddle which is formed between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi, and up to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters). The route is dry, barren and rather inhospitable, but provides spectacular views of Kibo. At Kibo Hut you will get served dinner and will go to bed early as you will be awoken around 23:30 to begin your summit attempt. Trekkers should remember to prepare their gear, including headlamp, camera, insulated water and warm weather clothes before they go to sleep. Note: Seven and Eight day trekkers typically hike from Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut and back on day four. They then trek to Kibo Hut again on day five before continuing to Uhuru peak on day six / seven.

Distance: ~9km / 5.5 miles Trekking time: 8-10 hours Zone: High alpine zone .

Day four is a long but gradual hike from Mawenzi Tarn heading west through the Saddle which is formed between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi, and up to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters). The route is dry, barren and rather inhospitable, but provides spectacular views of Kibo. At Kibo Hut you will get served dinner and will go to bed early as you will be awoken around 23:30 to begin your summit attempt. Trekkers should remember to prepare their gear, including headlamp, camera, insulated water and warm weather clothes before they go to sleep. Note: Seven and Eight day trekkers typically hike from Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut and back on day four. They then trek to Kibo Hut again on day five before continuing to Uhuru peak on day six / seven.

Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles ascent and then 15km / 8 mile descent Trekking time: 6-8 hours to the summit and then 5-8 hours to Horombo Hut. Zone: Glacial zone, high alpine zone and low alpine zone.

Day five begins at midnight, after being awoken with tea and biscuits you will begin your ascent in the dark across a rocky path to the first check point, Hans Meyer Cave at 5,150 meters. You should have a break here and refuel on an energy bar. The path then zigzags and increases in steepness as you approach Gilman's Point 2-3 hours later at 5,681 meters. You are now on Kibo's crater rim, a huge achievement! But you still have a 200 meter ascent to trek to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters). Dig deep to find the reserves and mental stamina to push yourself up the final slopes. At Uhuru Peak you will be able to stay briefly before descending back to Kibo Hut and on to Horombo Hut. In total you will be trekking upwards of 12-16 hours. It will be one of the longest days of your life but well worth it! Here is the good news, beers can be bought at Horombo Hut!

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 6 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft Distance: 16 km/10 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Heath Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman�s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft Distance: 20 km/12 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi