RONGAI ROUTE B
DURATION: 7 DAYS
Day 1
1st Cave Camp (2600m)
Hiking time: 4 hours
Transfer by Land Rover (about 3 hours) to the attractive wooden village of Nale Muru (1950 m). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2600 m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Day 2
Kikelelwa Camp (3600m)
Hiking time: 7 hours
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (3450 m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios near Kikelelwa Camp (3600m)
Day 3
Mawenzi tarn hut (4330m)
Hiking time: 4 hours
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330 m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
Day 4
Mawenzi Tarn Hut
Here we spend an extra day to acclimatize. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.
Day 5
Kibo camp (4750m)
Hiking time: 5 hours
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4750 m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night!
Day 6
Summit attempt (5895m) – Horombo hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 4 hours
Begin the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. Proceed very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5685 m) Rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5895 m); passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4700 m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, continues the descent to reach the final campsite at Horombo (3720 m).
Day 7
Horombo – Marangu gate (1830m)
Hiking time: 5 hours
This day is spent descending to Marangu gate. Meet and transferred to the hotel for dinner and celebration!