Rongai Route

First Night in Tanzania

First Night in Tanzania
Meet and greet upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi for dinner and overnight stay at Bed and Breakfast (BB)

Our Choices Includes;

Pink Flamingo
Ameg Lodge

Before your journey begins, you’ll have breakfast while all the necessary gear is being prepared. Expect a beautiful drive, approximately two and a half hours, to the northern side of Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, you’ll complete the registration process at the Nalemoru Gate, marking the official start of your hiking adventure.

Your hike will take you through a diverse landscape. Initially, you’ll pass by small farms, giving you a glimpse of the local agricultural practices. As you proceed, you’ll walk amidst pine trees, gradually making your way into the dense forest that adorns the mountain slopes. This part of the hike offers a chance to witness the region’s unique wildlife, including the possibility of spotting colobus monkeys, easily identifiable by their striking black and white tails.

While you’re immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the trek, the porters will lead the way to set up your camp. You will maintain a moderate hiking pace, aiming to reach the Simba campsite, located at an elevation of 2625 meters, in about four hours. Upon arrival at the campsite, you’ll find the tents already set up for you. Warm washing water will be available for your comfort.

To cap off the day, a warm supper will be served, providing a cozy end to your first day on the mountain. This meal is not only nourishing but also an opportunity to relax and prepare for the following day’s trek.

Following a hearty breakfast of hot porridge and eggs, you’ll be ready to embark on the next segment of your trek. As you progress, you’ll notice a noticeable shift in the landscape, with the vegetation transitioning to more shrubs, characteristic of the moorland zone. This part of the hike offers a unique experience as the flora around you changes.

On days when the weather is clear, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views. The Kenyan plains stretch out in the distance, offering a vast and impressive panorama. Additionally, the Mawenzi peak, one of Kilimanjaro’s notable summits, should be visible, adding to the breathtaking scenery.

Your journey today includes a well-deserved break at the Second Cave, located at an elevation of 3450 meters. Here, you’ll stop for lunch, a moment to refuel and rest before continuing your hike. The trail ahead involves navigating through a series of ups and downs, a stimulating challenge that adds to the adventure.

Your destination for the day is the Kikelewa Camp. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a serving of tea – a warm and welcoming gesture. This campsite is known for its exceptional views, offering a visual feast that adds to the experience. It’s an excellent spot to relax, unwind, and take in the tranquility of the mountain. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the peace of your surroundings, recharging for the next day’s journey.

Today’s trek on Mount Kilimanjaro presents a significant shift in the landscape, offering you an experience quite different from the previous days. As you move forward, the lushness and the peculiar Senecio plants, a common sight in other parts of Kilimanjaro, give way to a starkly different terrain. You’ll find yourself walking through an area that resembles a rocky lunar landscape, providing a unique and surreal hiking experience.

The absence of dense vegetation allows for unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks, weather permitting. On a clear day, the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, two of Kilimanjaro’s most prominent summits, will be visible, offering awe-inspiring sights that highlight the diverse beauty of this mountain.

Your hike today will be a challenging one, lasting about six hours. The goal is to reach the Mawenzi Hut, your resting place for the night. You’ll notice a significant temperature drop in this region, especially at night. A nearby small lake, which often freezes over at night, is a testament to the cold conditions you can expect.

Despite the cold environment, you can look forward to a warm and comforting end to your day. A hot supper will await you at the camp, providing physical warmth and a morale boost. This meal is crucial for your sustenance and offers a moment of relaxation and an opportunity to reflect on the day’s journey while preparing for the next phase of your climb.

Today’s journey on Mount Kilimanjaro involves crossing the Saddle, a broad, flat area between the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. You’ll be trekking on a good, firm path, but as you gain altitude, you might start feeling the effects of the thinner air.

At these higher elevations, it’s common to experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches and nausea. It’s crucial to stay hydrated, so make sure to take in plenty of fluids throughout the day. Additionally, it’s important to maintain a slow and steady pace to help your body adjust to the altitude. You’ll likely hear your guide repeatedly advising “pole pole,” which means “slowly slowly” in Swahili, emphasizing the need to take your time.

The day’s hike will challenge you, especially towards the end, but your efforts will be rewarded. Your destination is the Kibo Hut, where you will spend the night. Upon arrival, you can look forward to a nourishing dinner and a comforting cup of hot chocolate, which will help you relax and warm up in the cold mountain environment.

Before turning in for the night, it’s essential to prepare your daypack for the final ascent. Organize all the gear you’ll need for the summit push. Since you’ll wake up around midnight to start the final stretch to the summit, you should go to bed early. This early start will ensure you reach the summit at sunrise, offering a spectacular view and an unforgettable experience as you stand atop Africa’s highest peak.

Rise and shine for an extraordinary day! You’ll begin your ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in the early hours while it’s still dark and very cold. The path ahead will be illuminated by a string of headlights, each belonging to fellow climbers on the same journey. It’s crucial to move slowly and steadily, heeding the guidance of your experienced guide.

As you climb, the ground underfoot will be frozen, making the trek challenging. Fatigue is common in these conditions, but it’s important to keep pushing forward. Persistence and determination are key. After approximately seven hours of climbing, you’ll reach a significant milestone – Gillman’s Point, located at an altitude of 5685 meters on the crater’s rim.

At Gillman’s Point, you’ll have the opportunity to warm up in the morning sun. The summit, Uhuru Peak, which stands at 5895 meters, is just an hour or two away. The feeling of reaching the peak, the highest point in Africa, is indescribable and a moment of immense pride and accomplishment.

After spending some time at the summit, you’ll begin your descent. The return path is similar to the ascent route, but by now, the ground will have defrosted, making it dusty. The descent is faster, and you should reach Kibo Hut by late morning. Here, a well-deserved rest and a hot meal await you, providing a much-needed break to recharge.

But your day isn’t over yet. The descent continues towards Horombo Hut, where you will spend the night. This part of the journey allows you to reflect on the incredible feat you’ve just achieved while gradually adjusting back to the lower altitudes. The night at Horombo Hut is a time for rest and recovery, preparing you for the final leg of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Today is the last day on the mountain. The descent to Marangu Gate will take about six hours. Here, the crew will say farewell, and the transfer driver will wait. At the hotel, cold drinks will be staying, too. You will undoubtedly enjoy a shower and a swim before sitting down for supper to celebrate your adventure.

Our Choices include:

Pink Flamingo
Ameg Lodge

After a leisurely night, you can proceed on a safari with us, a flight back home, or an extension to Zanzibar.