6 Days Rongai Route On Kilimanjaro

Overview

Rongai trailhead is to be found on the Kenyan border on the Northern Side of the Mountain. Its position in the rain shadow of Kili means it has a completely different landscape from the other routes, drier and more open, allowing for better views. It is a beautiful route, with few climbers, and a very gentle ascent, suggesting it as the ideal route to take. However, the position of the trailhead makes reaching it difficult, there is no park office and so park fees must be paid in Marangu gate and the only descent route allowed by Kilimanjaro National Park is Marang route, detracting from the remote wilderness of the ascent. Nevertheless, it is a very worthwhile route, and the advantages make it attractive only to those operator’s intent on offering something different.

Day 1– Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) Tanzania.

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met outside customs area by Kibo Expeditions driver guide and your head mountain guide holding a sign board written clearly your booking name and drive to Arusha for overnight on bed and breakfast.

Day 2 – FIRST CAMP.

After early breakfast at your hotel then Kilimanjaro briefing and checking your mountain personal equipment before transfer to Marangu gate with packed lunch. After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu gate, we transfer by our vehicle to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of NaleMoru (1,950 m.) on a small path the winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently, through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkeys. These monkeys are black with long ‘capes’ of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains of Tsavo and Amboseli.

Dinner and overnight at FIRST CAMP, (BLD)Approx: 3-4 hours walking

Day 3 – KIKELEWA CAMP.

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. Our campsite nestles in a sheltered valley of giant Senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3.600 m.)

Dinner and overnight at KIKELEWA CAMP, (BLD)Approx: 6-7 hours walking

Day 4 –MAWENZI TARN CAMP.

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb sweeping vistas and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m.), spectacularly situated on 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.

Dinner and overnight at MAWENZI TARN CAMP, (BLD) Approx: 3 – 5 hours walking

Day 5 – KIBO CAMP.

We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach School campsite (4,750 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!

Dinner and overnight at KIBO CAMP (BLD) Approx: 4-5 hours walking

Day 6 – UHURU PEAK – HOROMBO.

Start around 1 a.m., reaching Gillman’s Point (5685 m) at sunrise. The path from Kibo to Gillman’s is the most demanding 4 hours on the whole climb. Continue another 2 hours to the roof of Africa, Uhuru Peak (5895 m). Descend to Kibo Camp for hot lunch then to Horombo Hut. Meals and overnight at HOROMBO CAMP(BLD)

Weather:  cold effects of high altitude is felt. Wear everything you brought.

Water: the porters have carried extra water to Kibo. Ask them and they will fill your bottles.  

Day 7 – HOTEL IN ARUSHA.

You will hike back to the Marangu gate and park’s headquarters. 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 are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates.  Meet by a driver guide with packed lunch and drive back to your hotel in Arusha. It is a welcome treat to sleep in a bed, take a hot shower and celebrate.

Kilimanjaro Package includes:

• Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro airport (JRO) to Arusha on a private vehicle
• Transfers to/from the mountain trail heads 
• Kilimanjaro Park entrance fees, camping fees, rescue fees
• Services of trained professional English-speaking Mountain guides, cooks and porters.
• All food for the duration of the climb, top quality food specially considered for maximum nutrition needs. 
• Complimentary fruits and juice while hiking   
• Portage of 1 bag (maximum 15 kgs) per person
• Safety equipment e.g. Oxygen cylinder or Gamow Bag
• Oximeter for checking blood levels of clients daily
• Camping equipment including mountain Hardware tents, mess tent, chairs etc.
• Services of hot water bottle while sleeping for comfort
• Portable flashing toilet
• Solar light in every accommodation tent
• CPR Machine when needed on complimentary basis (let us know in advance because we have only one).
• Public Liability Insurance Cover Note

Kilimanjaro Package does not include:

• Tips to the guides, cook and porters
• Bottled Mineral water
• Visas
• Laundry
• Telephone calls
• Day rooms on the last day after the climb   
• Other items of personal nature
• All other expenses resulting from early descend before the completion of the climb such as extra nights in Arusha etc.