Rongai 8 Day via Stella Point
(R8S)
CUSTOM ROUTE
WHY THIS ITINERARY?
One of the most off the beaten track itineraries available on Kilimanjaro that allows access via Stella Point. That is important as ascending via Stella Point reduces time in extreme altitude and so really makes for a great all round strategy for the combination of less people on trail and excellent chances of summitting.
DESCRIPTION
A 8 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 Mweka route and so a shorter transfer time back to accommodation is less than Rongai trips descending via the Marangu route but more steep on descent.
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!
ITINERARY
IN BRIEF
Hike Distance – 34miles / 55 km
Vertical Gain – 13,885ft / 4232m
Drop – 14,118ft / 4303m
Trekking Time – 43 hours
IN DETAIL
DAY 1 – SIMBA CAMP
START – 6,398FT / 1950M
END – 8,764FT / 2671M
DISTANCE – 4.4 MILES / 7KM
TIME – 3-5 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – FORESTS
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.
DAY 2 – SECOND CAVE CAMP (CAVE 2)
START – 8,764FT / 2671M
END – 11,319FT / 3450M
DISTANCE – 3.4 MILES / 5.5KM
TIME – 3-4 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – HEATH
Today is a half day trek and so no need to rush - take gentle pace and enjoy the surroundings with view of the eastern icefields as you walk.
DAY 3 – THIRD CAVE CAMP (CAVE 3)
START – 11,319FT / 3450M
END – 12,468FT / 3800M
DISTANCE – 1.8 MILES / 3KM
TIME – 2-3 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – HEATH
This is one of the most direct routes up Kilimanjaro, and the route today is another half day, which means that after lunch you have time to walk higher, and then come back down in the afternoon. Walk high, sleep low is a great way to acclimatise and also leaves lots of options of resting or simply enjoying being far away from the crowds.
DAY 4 – THIRD CAVE CAMP (CAVE 3)
START – 12,468FT / 3800M
END – 12,468FT / 3800M
DISTANCE – 5 MILES / 8 KM (options exist)
TIME – 4-5 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – HEATH
This day is purely used as an acclimatization day. That can mean doing very little (although we most certainly do recommend moving around and keeping active, or it could entail hiking up to 4,700 meters at School Hut with a picnic lunch and back again or to the Mawenzi saddle and ridge. Either way your guide is on hand to work with you to explore and make the very best of the mountain (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
DAY 5 – KIBO HUT
START – 14,158FT / 4315M
END – 15,486FT / 4720M
DISTANCE – 3.4 MILES / 5.5KM
TIME – 4-6 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT
Today you ascend to Kibo hut in the alpine desert zone. You will arrive at your basecamp, Kibo Hut, in time for lunch. This is a base camp for many hikers and for your team, another chance to acclimatise, adding a valuable day and potentially making your ascent easier the following day. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
DAY 6 – KOSOVO
START – 13,108 / 3,995M
END – 15,744FT / 4800M
DISTANCE – 1.2 MILES / 3KM
TIME – 4-5 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT
Today is another half day ascending to Barafu High Camp and from Kibo we cross the stunning South East Valley, hiking up the valley and then dropping into Kosovo camp. Once again lunch is taken in camp allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and, at times, strong winds rip over this camp; yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before heading to rest for the rest of the evening. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
DAY 7 – KILIMANJARO SUMMIT / MILLENIUM CAMP
START – 15,332FT / 4673M
END – 12,465FT / 3800M
DISTANCE – 7.2 MILES / 11.5KM
TIME – 12-16 HRS
CLIMATE ZONES – ALPINE DESERT, ARCTIC, HEATH
Given the location of the camp you have the flexibility to depart later than most hikers and we normally aim to summit after the main groups have already come and done. Patience and persistence are the name of game to reach the summit (Uhuru Peak: 19341ft, 5895m) and by dawn as the first rays of light start to appear, most arrive near the rim. Ascending via Stella Point (Alt: 18,865ft, 5750m) affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! What goes up must come down however. The first stage is to get back to our base camp for a quick change of clothes and refuel before the long hike downhill to Millenium Camp. The downhill is hard on the knees and walking poles at this stage are highly recommended. You should reach Millenium Camp by mid to late afternoon. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
DAY 8 – ARUSHA
START – 12,465 / 3800M
END – 5,381FT / 1640M
DISTANCE – 8 MILES / 11.5KM
TIME – 4-5 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – AFROMONTANE FOREST
After breakfast you descend once again through afromontane forest and around midday, after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to your lodge for a well deserved shower! Later that evening you will be visited by a Summits Africa Representative to congratulate you, to find out how the trip went and to answer any final questions you may have about your onward journey. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
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