This route is considered to be one of the easiest routes up the mountain. It is the only route starting from the Northern side of the mountain at a small village close to the Kenya border. The climbing conditions are drier on the Northern side of the mountain. The summit is reached via the Eastern side of Kibo and the descent is via the Marangu route. Overnights are spent camping in tents.
Early morning as it’s a long drive (4 – 5 hours) to Rongai Gate. First stop at Marangu Gate to complete the park register before you continue to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru on a small path those 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, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorlands.
Overnight at First Cave Camp.
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, leave the main trail and hike
across the moorlands on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is nestles in a valley with giant Senecios.
Overnight at Kikelewa Caves.
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb sweeping vistas and a tangible sense of wilderness. You’ll leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated on 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 acclimatisation.
Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn.
Cross the alpine desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut 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!
Overnight at Kibo Hut.
Average hiking time: 5 Hours
Day 5
Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (SUMMIT!!)
Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
4 713m (15 463ft) - 5895m (19341ft)
5895m (19341ft) – 3 719m (12 201ft)
We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb around midnight. We hike very slowly in the darkness on a zigzag trail through loose
volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point with sunrise. Rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Continue hiking on the crater rim toward the Uhuru Peak - SUMMIT!!!!! the highest peak in Africa. The descent to Kibo is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshments and rest, continues hiking the descent on the Marangu route to reach Horombo.
Overnight at Horombo Hut.
Average hiking time to the summit: Hours Average descending time: Hours
A steady descent takes you down through moorland to Mandara Hut where you will enjoy lunch. Continue descending through a lovely forest on a good path to the Marangu Gate. It is easier to go down than up. Packed lunch on way down.
Overnight at your hotel.
Tel / Fax: +27 (0)12 808 3309 / 997 0208, Email:
info@exploreplus.co.za
Postal Address: Postnet Suite 274, Private Bag x4, Moreleta Park, Pretoria, 0102
