Rongai 6 Days via Gilmans Scenic Route

Why this itinerary?

This itinerary is exactly the same as the 7 day version, without the acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn. It is a 6 day ascent that is relatively gradual. The numbers of hikers on this route tends to be less than Machame or Marangu Routes and the chance of seeing wildlife are higher. Comes highly recommended but note that the drive to the starting point takes a long time and the descent is via the Marangu route. In other words, busy.

Itinerary In brief

Hike Distance – 44 mi / 72 km
Vertical Gain – 12.944 ft / 3.945 m
Drop – 13.176 ft / 4.016 m
Trekking Time – 39 hrs

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Description

A 6 day ascent of Kilimanjaro starting on the Eastern side of the national park. This side of the mountain is relatively dry and has a relatively short forest zone. It skirts the base of Mawenzi and the ascent is via Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. There is an acclimatisation day at Mawenzi Tarn. The descent is via the Marangu Route.

Highlights

Kilimanjaro: views over the Mawenzi and Kibo saddle, close views of Mawenzi, the Kibo Crater and ash pit and glaciers on the roof of Africa.

In detail

Day 1

SIMBA CAMP

After breakfast you depart by vehicle to the eastern side of Kilimanjaro National Park. At the gate your crew finalise packing while you enjoy lunch. After finishing with formalities, you start hiking from Nale Moru Gate through farm and pine plantations before arriving at Simba Camp surrounded by afromontane forest.

START – 6.398 FT / 1.950 M
END – 8.764 FT / 2.671 M
DISTANCE – 3 MI / 5 KM
TIME – 3-5 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – FORESTS

Day 2

KIKELEWA CAVES

In the morning you ascend to Second Cave (11,316ft, 3,450m) with views of the Eastern Icefields before stopping for lunch. After eating, you leave main trail and head towards Mawenzi before arriving at Kikelewa Caves Campsite in a sheltered valley.

START – 8.764 FT / 2.671 M
END – 11.812 FT / 3.600 M
DISTANCE – 10 MI / 16 KM
TIME – 8-10 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – HEATH

Day 3

MAWENZI TARN HUT

Today you hike up to Mawenzi Tarn, located in a cirque beneath the Mawenzi Volcano. In the afternoon you head out for an acclimatisation walk with your guide. Overnight Mawenzi Tarn Camp (full board).

START – 11.812 FT / 3.600 M
END – 14.158 FT / 4.315 M
DISTANCE – 2 MI / 3 KM
TIME – 2-3 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT

Day 4

KIBO HUT

Today you cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo in the alpine desert zone. You will arrive at your basecamp, Kibo Hut, in time for lunch. In the afternoon it is time to prepare for the night ascent and then an early dinner before heading to bed for a few hours.

START – 14.158 FT / 4.315 M
END – 15.486 FT / 4.720 M
DISTANCE – 5 MI / 8 KM
TIME – 4-6 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT

Day 5

SUMMIT BID / HOROMBO HUTS

Rising early (normally before midnight) you start out from Kibo Hut towards the peak. At night time the scree sections are normally much firmer and the night time start enables the best chance of a clear summit attempt. It takes around 6 hours to reach Gilman’s Point and then a further 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak (Alt 19,341ft, 5985m) the top of the highest free standing mountain in the world and the roof of Africa! You then descend the same route before a short stop at Kibo Hut for a refuel and rest. By the evening you descend back down to Horombo Huts for dinner and one last sleep.

START – 15.486 FT / 4.720 M
END – 12.205 FT / 3.720 M
DISTANCE – 13 MI / 21 KM
TIME – 13-17 HRS
CLIMATE ZONES – ALPINE DESERT / ARCTIC / HEATH

Day 6

ARUSHA

The final descent takes you back through the heath zone and forest to Marangu Gate.After saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to your lodge for a well deserved shower!

Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative of Suricata Safaris to congratulate you and answer any other questions you may have.

START – 12.205 FT / 3.720 M
END – 6.164 FT / 1.879 M
DISTANCE – 12 MI / 19 KM
TIME – 5-7 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – HEATH / AFROMONTANE FOREST

Make it more memorable by combining your adventure with a SAfari and a trip to Zanzibar

Ask us how!

Price Includes

Arrival and Departure Kilimanjaro airport (JRO) transfers to/from Arusha [For those who arrive/depart from Nairobi, we include schedule shuttle bus transfer, available at 8AM and 2PM daily]
Transport from the hotel in Arusha to the mountain and back to the Hotel.
Kilimanjaro national park permits, camping/hut fees, mountain rescue fees, value added tax (VAT), and all other applicable local government taxes/fees
Services of Guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
Maximum of 10 climbers (unless stated otherwise)
Accommodation in a hotel in Arusha (upgradeable) for 2 nights (before & after the climb), including breakfast and taxes
Meals on the mountain
Drinking water: Boiled and filtered water on the trek (recommended to bring a filter/filtrating tablets), and bottled water on the safari.
Sleeping mat
Dining tent, tables, chairs
Bottled oxygen for emergency rescue only
Oximeter

Price Excludes

Airfare
Items of personal nature
Climbing gears (most of them can be rented on arrival; we recommend you email the list of items you think you may consider renting)
Tips to the climbing crew
Medical equipment which can be rented well in advance for the following costs: $250/group for hyperbaric chamber, $210/group for an emergency oxygen cylinder and $140/group for a stretcher. Please note these prices include a porter to carry the equipment.
Portable toilets: If you are concerned about using public toilets, a portable toilet is available for an extra $110/person or $180/group. This service must be confirmed at the time of booking.

Note

The luggage that porters are allowed to carry is limited to 35 pounds (ie: 15 kgs)
Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter at a rate of $10/bag/day
You can leave extra luggage at your hotel in Arusha or at our office (do not leave any valuables like cash, jewelry, electronics.

2 Comments. Leave new

Tanzania Safaris

January 27, 2020 11:04 am

Good evening. Thanks a lot! Excellent article

martin

April 13, 2020 3:56 pm

Thank you Patrick.
Sorry for not having answered before.
Best regards from Tanzania.
Stay safe!!!