Kilimanjaro, Africa – 5895m./ 19,335.6 ft
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Rongai route
Climb Kilimanjaro with us. Trekking Kilimanjaro – our guides work closely together to make sure every detail of your trek is perfect. Kilimanjaro is the largest of about 20 volcanoes near the southern end of the East African Rift Valley – located at then north-eastern tip of Tanzania. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro takes us through the mists of the jungle to snow and breath-taking views from the summit. It can be climbed at any time during the year. However the December holidays and New Years are usually fully booked and April, May and November are the rainy months.
Our route: RONGAI
It is the only route accessing the mountain from the North. The trail start along the border with Kenya, currently the starting trail was moved further east from the town of Loitokitok. The route is very gradual and less travel compare to the other routes on the mountain. The descent is done via the Marangu trail.
ITINERARY:
Travel days: Arrival day at Kilimanjaro airport. Night in hotel near airport
Day 1: Today you will be transferred from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort arriving in time for lunch. You will have a climb briefing and inspection of equipment this evening.
The Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort is a first class tourist destination, tucked deep in the lush green banana and coffee plantations, just four miles (seven kilometers) from the main gates to Mt. Kilimanjaro. Twenty five modern rooms offer flat screen televisions, mini-bars, and en suite bathrooms. Some of the rooms have balconies with views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the swimming pool. There are restaurants and a lounge for your enjoyment. Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort.
Day 2: KILIMANJARO-RONGAI ROUTE – RONGAI CAMP ONE
This morning you will transfer to Marangu National Park gate and onward by landrover to Rongai. Your climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950m/6395ft) 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. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the Mooreland zone (2,600m/8525ft) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. Accommodation: Rongai One Camp (Full Board)
Day 3: KIKELEWA CAVE
You leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Your campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3,600m/11,800ft) 6-7 hours walking. Accommodation: Kikelewa Caves Camp (Full Board)
Day 4: MAWENZI TARN
This morning’s short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness.
You leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m/14,195ft), 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 acclimatization 3-4 hours walking. Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (Full Board)
Day 5: KIBO
Today you cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach bottom of the Kibo crater wall (4,700m/15,400ft). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. 5-6 hours walking.
Accommodation: Kibo Camp (Full Board).
Day 6: SUMMIT/HOROMBO
You will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1:00 am. You plod very slowly in the darkness of switch back trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,680m/18,635ft). You 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 roundtrip to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft); passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area.
The descent to Kibo (4,700m/15,400ft) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, you continue the descent to reach your final campsite at Horombo (3,700m/12,000ft) 11-15 hours walking. Accommodations: Horombo Camp (Full Board)
Day 7: HOROMBO/MARANGU/KILIMANJARO
This morning a steady descent takes you down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m/9000ft), the first stopping place on the Marangu route. You then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,800m/5900 ft). 5-6 hours walking. Transfer to your hotel.
Day 8: Airport transfers or continues to safaris.
