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MOUNT
KILIMANJARO CLIMBING RONGAI - ROUTE FOR 7days / 6 nights.
Kilimanjaro-Rongai
Route The Rongai route is much drier than the southern routes. Elephants
and
colubus monkeys can be found on the way. As the ascent continues, climbers
can enjoy spectacular views over the immense Masai plains of Kenya.
he Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the
mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains
a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro
by approaching it from the north..
Experienced guides consider the Rongai route to be both easier and more
scenic than the Marangu Trail. Summit attempts begin in the pre-dawn hours,
with climbers usually reaching Gillman's Point at sunrise. For those who
feel strong enough, an approximately three hour round trip hike will take
you from Gillman's Point to Uhuru Peak.
DAY 1: Boards shuttle bus
from Nairobi at 0800 hrs and proceedto Namnga Border for formalities
then to Arusha arriving at 1300hrs. Depart for Moshi at 1400hrs arriving
at 1530hrs. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Moshi or (Pick up from
Kilimanajaro airport and transfer to hotel in Moshi)
DAY 2
Rongai Gate (1950m) - 1st Caves camp (2600m)
Hiking time: 5 hours Distance: About 8 km's
Habitat: Montane forest
Register at the Marangu park gate with a transfer (approximately 2 ½
hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your guide and porters before you
begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses
maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through
a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through
beautiful country. The first night's camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600
metres. There is a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut.
Water can be found just down the trail below First Cave.
DAY 3
1st Cave (2600m) - Kikelewa Cave (3600m)
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Moorlands
The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route,
and reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 metres. The views start to open
up and you begin to feel you're on a really big mountain! Water is in
the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill
a way to find some. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves).
DAY 4
Kikelewa Cave (3600) - Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m)
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorlands
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness
area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp
at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of
Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
DAY 5
Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) - Kibo hut (4700m)
Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between
Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder
of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which
begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp
DAY 6
SUMMIT ATTEMPT Kibo hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru - 6 hours to descend to Horombo Distance:
6 km's ascent - 21 km's descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle
off into the night. This is where the going really gets tough. The first
section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m),
also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman's point
(5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep
with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort.
Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle
and move slowly. From Gillman's Point you will normally encounter snow
all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total
exhilaration and satisfaction - you made it. Weather conditions on the
summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before
the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all
your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where
you will overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast
compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around
14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you
enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp
office) on the mountain and well-earned sleep, filled with memories and
stirring emotions.
DAY 7
Horombo hut (3720m) - Marangu Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: 6 hours Distance: About 27 km's
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara
hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay
your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate
safely. Click here for more info on <tips.htm>. At Marangu gate
you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful
climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached
Gillman's Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who
reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. You now drive back
to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight
in Springlands hotel or Similar
DAY 7.Board shuttle bus to
Nairobi or start a Tazania safari.
Any additional day is US$ 105
The price is inclusive of:-
2 transfers Nairobi-moshi-Nairobi
2 transfers from Moshi to Rongai park gate -return
3 meals per day while trekking - Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian
5 days Kilimanjaro trek- Rongai
4 nights accomodation in camps while trekking Rongai
First and Last night accommodation at YMCA/Buffalo hotelMoshi -Bed and
Breakfast.
All park entrance fees and government levies
English speaking mountain Guide and assistant guides
Porters- a maximum of 2 per client
The Price does not include:
Gloves, Sun glasses, Sleeping bag, Hats , Rain suits, Warm Jacket,
Heavy boots, Scarf's, Rain Trousers, tents
Note: All the above items can be
hired at a reasonable price
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