Elevation (ft): 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking time: 5 hours

Habitat: Montane forest

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from arusha (1400m) and driven to the marangu gate (1980m). Vehicle will pick you to the rongai trail head (2.5 hours drive). The trail begins in the tall cornfields then leads into the pine forest. This trail has a gradual ascent and allows hikers to enjoy their surroundings.

About halfway up the trail you will have a lunch break and you will reach the 1st caves camp (2600m) in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef, who move very fast up the mountain, will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served.