Main Info
The Rongai Route is the only route that appraoches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. Rongai’s ascent profile is very similar to that of Marangu. It is one of Kilimanjaro’s easier routes. The climb to the top is gradual and steady. However, unlike Marangu, this route has low crowds and passes through remote wilderness areas. It is probably the only route where seeing wildlife in the first days is possible.
What is included
-All transfers
-Professional experienced guide
-Guide, cook and porters salaries
-Park fees which includes conservation fees, camping fees, rescue & vat
-Two night’s hotel charges
-Sleeping tents and mattress.
-Quality mess tent and table
-All meals while on the mountain
-Emergence care
-Clean purified water for drinking and cooking
-Fair ethical and treatment of porters.
What is not included
-Tanzania visas
-Personal trekking such as sleeping bag boots etc but is available for rents.
-Tips and gratuities
-Travel insurance
-Meals not listed in the itinerary
-Beers and bottled beverages
– There’s a special client discount for;
-Resident living in tanzania if she/ he has a working permit
-East africa citizen
-Children under sixteen years old
Itinerary
After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, we transfer to Rongai. The climb begins from Nale Moru (1,950 m) on a small 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, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long 'cape' of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp, Rongai One, is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
[3-4 hours walking]
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the 'Second Cave' (3,450 m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Kikelewa campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3,600 m)
[6-7 hours walking]
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb allround views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 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 acclimatisation.
[3-4 hours walking]
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
We cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700 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!
[5-6 hours walking]
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (5,685 m) We will 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 (5,896 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach Horombo Camp (3,720 m).
[11-15 hours walking]
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at the lower station of Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi.
At the Gate gate you sign your name and details in a register book. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gilmans Point are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive Golden certificates.
You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed and celebrations!!
[5-6 hours walking]
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
