The Rongai Route is the only trail that starts from the Northern, or Kenyan side of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Because of its remote location the route offers trekkers a relatively unspoilt wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant and buffalo.
Day 1 : Your First Day In. Karibu Tanzania
On arrival at Taveta or Kilimanjaro Airport, met and assisted. Transfer to Hotel for an overnight rest on bed, dinner and breakfast in readiness for the next day’s hit to Kilimanjaro.
Day 2
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.
Day 3
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
Day 4
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, B,L,D.
Day 5
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, B,L,D
Day 6
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.
Day 7 You have Made It!
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. 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 Arusha for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations
Day 8 Karibu Tanzania Tena
Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight back home or continue with your safari schedule. End of services.
Prices Include
Transfer to and from the base of the mountain
Rongai route trek as itinerary depicts
Full board accommodation whilst on the trek.
Meal plan as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
Accommodations at Keys Hotel in Moshi for 2 nights and huts on the mountain as per the itinerary
All park entrance fees to include government taxes
Service of an English speaking professional Mountain guide on the mountain, porters and skilled cook
All services begin and end at Kilimanjaro Airport as per the itinerary
Return airport transfers from/to Kilimanjaro Airport or to Taveta
Price Exclusions
Tips,(around 110 to 120 US $ for the Guides and Porters)) laundry, sleeping bags, drinks and climbing gears
Medical evacuation,
International flights and taxes
Visas (50 US$ for Tanzania)
Items of a personal nature and any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary.
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