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Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro

Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro

Overview

Experience an exhilarating adventure hiking Mount Kilimanjaro over six days via the Rongai route. This unique opportunity will push your boundaries and provide a refreshing escape. Whether you choose to join a group or embark on the hike solo with our climbing team, an unforgettable adventure is on the horizon.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, towers at an impressive 5,895 meters above sea level and is affectionately known as “the roof of Africa.” This iconic mountain is renowned for its three distinct summits; Shira, Kibo and Mawenzi, symbolizing the grandeur of the African continent.

Our hiking experiences are designed for adventurous individuals seeking the thrill of conquering Mount Kilimanjaro while being immersed in awe-inspiring panoramas along the way. Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro is a remarkable achievement and a must-have experience on any adventurer’s bucket list. Ascending the heights of this magnificent mountain requires determination and adequate acclimatization to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.

Planning Logistics

The team at Kenya epic safaris is involved in every step of the planning, preparation and packing of our expeditions. Behind the scenes we take care of all the nighty grities to ensure a smooth ripple effect for the purpose of a successful Mount Kilimanjaro hiking venture.

Mountain guides & porters

Our mountain guides and porters are highly skilled in mountaineering, with years of experience hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. They are not only highly trained and certified, but also very knowledgeable, playing a key role in ensuring a successful climb to the summit. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy the company of our professional guides and porters as you hike Mount Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation

Accommodation on the mountain varies on the route a climber chooses. There are permanently built mountain huts and designated camping sites. Our guides have selected various hotels for overnight stays close to the base of the mountain to ensure acclimatization and above all avoid mountain sickness.

Meals & Drinks

As part of our team; we have a dedicated professional cook who prepares excellent, delicious and healthy meals. Our cook will ensure a diverse menu accommodating different tastes and appetites. The menu consists of high protein foods, carbs, vegetables and fruits. Equally important we cater for special dietary requirements with advance notice at no extra charge. You are advised to bring your favorite snacks / energy bars.

You only require bottled water on the first and last day however on the mountain we will boil water or add purifying tablets then filter using MSR water filtering pump before refilling in your water bottles every morning.

Transport Logistics

Expeditions to Mount Kilimanjaro typically commence from Arusha or Moshi. We arrange transportation from your hotel to the park’s entry point. The mode of transport we offer is determined by the number of people, their budget and preferences. If you are located in Nairobi, we can pre-arrange a shuttle coach to Arusha or Moshi.

Call To Action

Initiate your ideal climbing experience by contacting our team. We are here to provide you with essential information, outline what to expect and offer guidance. Reach out to us today to begin your adventure hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. We aim to help you realize your travel aspirations.

Safaris

Six Das Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking Rongai Route. [Itinerary]

Day One: Arusha – Cave Camp

First, a representative from Kenya epic safaris will meet you at your hotel or pick you up from the airport. Secondly, the rep will brief and hand you over to your assigned mountain guide, who will facilitate your Mount Kilimanjaro hiking adventure.

The guide will provide an overview of what to anticipate and ensure you have the appropriate equipment. Soon after, you will leave Arusha and be transported to the Marangu gate for registration and clearance, followed by a hike to the Rongai trail to Cave camp, situated at an elevation of 2750 meters.

The narrow, winding path traverses maize fields before entering a pine forest, gradually ascending through the woodland. The trail is not steep; instead, it offers a gentle hike through picturesque landscapes. You will enjoy dinner and spend the night at the camp.

Day Two: Cave Camp – Kikelewa Camp

Following a delicious breakfast, the hike leads to Kikelewa camp, situated at an elevation of approximately 3500 meters. As you ascend, the scenery begins to unfold, giving you a sense of being on a truly grand mountain. There is a stream visible below the cave, but you may need to venture downhill a bit to locate water. The evening will be spent enjoying dinner and resting overnight at the camp.

Day Three: Kikelewa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Today’s hike consists of a brief yet steep ascent along grassy inclines that provide excellent vistas of the surrounding wilderness. The vegetation zone concludes just before arriving at Mawenzi Tarn camp, which is dramatically located beneath the impressive peaks of Mawenzi. This camp is situated at an elevation of 3,850 meters above sea level. The afternoon can be spent acclimatizing and discovering the nearby area. Dinner will be served, followed by an overnight stay at the camp.

Day Four: Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Kibo Hut

After breakfast, the day’s hike commences on the eastern slope of Kibo, traversing the saddle that lies between Mawenzi and Kibo. This journey typically takes about 4 to 5 hours to arrive at Kibo Hut, situated at an elevation of 4,700 meters. The rest of the day is dedicated to resting in anticipation of the final ascent, which is scheduled to start around midnight. Dinner will be served and an overnight stay will take place at Kibo Camp.

Day Five: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut

Today marks the most challenging part of your ascent. Rise early at midnight and enjoy a light breakfast, such as coffee or tea accompanied by some biscuits. Start your hike towards Uhuru Peak, which stands at 5,895 meters above sea level. The initial segment of the Summit trail features a rocky path leading to Hans Meyer Cave (5,150m), a suitable spot for a break.


The trail then winds steeply up to Gillman’s Point (5,681m), situated on the crater rim. This portion is quite steep and involves navigating through loose stones, demanding significant physical and mental stamina, likely making it the toughest part of the entire journey.


Upon reaching Gillman’s Point, you will encounter snow all the way to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After taking some photos or selfies, you will descend to Kibo Hut, which takes about three hours. Following a brief rest, continue your descent to Horombo Hut (another three hours) for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day Six: Horombo Hut – Arusha

As you approach the final leg of your adventure, enjoy a delightful breakfast before descending to Marangu Gate via Mandara Hut, where you will officially sign out and receive your summit certificate.

Climbers who reach Gillman’s Point (5685m) will be awarded green certificates, while those who make it to Uhuru Peak (5895m) will receive gold certificates. Afterward, you will be transferred to Arusha and check into your hotel, marking the conclusion of your Mount Kilimanjaro hiking adventure. Finally, a hot shower and some well-deserved rest will be incredibly rewarding after your achievement.

End of services.

  • Transport to and from the base of the mountain.
  • Park entrance fees.
  • Accommodation in mountain huts / camps.
  • Meals as described in the itinerary.
  • Services of a mountain guide, porters & a cook.
  • Rescue fee.
  • H.F Radio communication for backup in case of an emergency.
  • All government taxes.
  • International airfares.
  • Climbing equipments.
  • All expenditure of personal nature such as telephone calls, hard drinks, soft drinks and laundry.
  • Tips.
  • Visas.
  • Travel Insurance.
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Mt. Kilimanjaro Hiking Route

Rongai Route is the only route that appraoches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. Rongai’s ascent profile is very similar to that of Marangu. It is probably the only route where seeing wildlife in the first days is possible. Rongai is beautiful because it travels through an unspoiled rain forest and remote wilderness area.

However, it is not as scenically varied as Machame and Shira. Rongai is ideal for those who are not confident in their ability to hike over steeper paths, those who want to avoid traffic, and those who want to enjoy a quieter hike. It is also preferred when climbing during the rainy season because the north side of the mountain receives less precipitation.

Mount Kilimanjaro Topography

Mount Kilimanjaro vegetation zones are characterized by tropical forest, open moorland, alpine desert and finally rocks and ice fields. From 1850 m – 2800m we have the montane forest. The area is usually damp or wet due to rainfall. Notably there isn’t a bamboo forest on Mount Kilimanjaro. From 3200m the montane forest paves way for moorland which extends beyond the heath.

The nights in this zone are cold while the days are sunny and the air thins. Giant groundsels and lobelia thrive in this zone. The moorland paves way to the Alpine desert at 4000m, this zone is characterized by minimal vegetation, the sand is loose and the weather is intense. Above 5000m there isn’t any vegetation and all you can find are rocks and ice fields.

Mount Kilimanjaro is only 3 degrees south of the equator and is influenced by the passage of the Inter-tropical convergence zone. There are two rainy seasons. The long rains occur from March to the end of May and the short rains occur from October to November, but can extend into December.

Apart from these factors, climbing Kilimanjaro remains fairly constant throughout the year. The maximum rainfall occurs in the forest belt, where it can reach up to 2000 mm per year. At the summit, which can be described as a “high altitude desert”, the rainfall is less than 100 mm per year. Rain and snow at higher altitudes can however be encountered at any time of the year.

The average temperatures at the foot of the mountain are 25° – 30° C and on the summit, it can range from minus 10° – 20° C. At 3000m the day temperatures range from 5° – 15° C, and at night frost is normally encountered; clearly a large variation, making it more interesting to summit the mountain.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

The Park

Africa’s highest mountain and the world’s highest free standing mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro which is also referred to as “The Roof of Africa” stands at 5895 meters above sea level. The mountain is a dormant volcano and has three outstanding peaks namely shira at 3962m, Mawenzi at 5149m and kibo at 5895m. Uhuru Peak is the highest summit on Kibo’s crater rim.

Kilimanjaro is a giant stratovolcano that began forming a million years ago, when lava spilled from the Rift Valley zone. Two of its three peaks, Mawenzi and Shira, are extinct while Kibo (the highest peak) is dormant and could erupt again.

Mt. Kilimanjaro History

The last major eruption has been dated to 360,000 years ago, while the most recent activity was recorded just 200 years ago. Although it is dormant, Kibo has fumaroles that emit gas in the crater. Scientists concluded in 2003 that molten magma is just 400 m (1,310 ft) below the summit crater. Several collapses and landslides have occurred on Kibo in the past, one creating the area known as the Western Breach.

Kilimanjaro was first climbed in 1889 by German geographer Hans Meyer and Austrian mountain climber Ludwig Purtscheller. There are six routes that one can use to climb the mountain namely Marangu, Mweka, Umbwe, Machame, Shira and Rongai. Only four of these routes are commonly used.

Climbing / Hiking Gear & Equipments

  • Walking trousers synthetic material is recommended.
  • Long Underwear Tops – Light synthetic.
  • Women’s sports bras Synthetic material.
  • Light fleece with a warm layer.
  • Long sleeve polypropylene shirt.
  • Medium weight polypropylene/thermal leggings.
  • Wind – waterproof – breathable jacket.
  • Gloves- light weight.
  • Warm Hat or Balaclava Sun hat – wool or synthetic.
  • Face mask or neck gaiter.
  • Medium or large duffel bag to pack your town clothes with a lock, this can be left at the hotel or we can store them for you.
  • Medium duffel bag to pack your hiking stuff with a lock. [ The porter will carry this bag. ]
  • A day pack to store your essentials with a capacity of about 25 to 35 liters is recommended.
  • Walking/hiking shoes – comfortable and waterproof.
  • Socks – Fitting socks one thick and one thin pair.
  • Head lamp with extra batteries & bulbs.
  • Adjustable trekking poles.
  • Sleeping bag – Rated 3 – season.
  • Gaiters – make sure they will fit over boots.
  • Purification tablets or filters – water for drinking is fetched from mountain streams.
  • Water bottle preferably one litre.
  • Female or male hygiene supplies.
  • Hand wipes and camp towel.
  • Personal toiletry kit.
  • Suncream.
  • Lip balm.
  • Sun glasses.
  • Camera & extra battries.
  • Passport, flight ticket, travel insurance, visa, cash & credit card.
  • Basecamp entertainment i.e books, board games, playing cards or ipod.
  • Favorite Snacks, candy bars or protein bars.
  • Bandanas.