Mount Kilimanjaro The Rongai Route The Rongai route begins its ascent of Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. 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. Private climbs are available year round at an additional cost. DAY –1 ARRIVAL IN TANZANIA Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport on flight KLM flight ---- Arrive at 08:30 Pm you will be picked up with our representative from Airport to Moshi where you will be taken strait to Hotel where you will meet the Mountain crew and preparing for the climb. You will have the opportunity to go over any last minute questions, have the crew check your gear. At this point you will also have the chance to leave a bag behind with anything you don't need on the mountain. Your left-behind gear will be secured at the office in Moshi and will meet you as soon as you come down off the mountain. Stay overnight at Hotel Kilimanjaro Trek DAY 2 - RONGAI CAMP Altitude: 6,396' to 8,530'; Hiking time: 3 hours. Register at the Marangu park gate and transfer by Land Rover (approximately two and a half hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your climbing staff and begin hiking from the village of Nale Moru. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest sheltering a variety of wildlife, including the Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. Our campsite is on the edge of the moorland zone with expansive views of the Kenyan plains. [BLD] DAY 3 - KIKELEWA CAVES Kikelewa Caves Altitude: 8,530' to 11,320'; Hiking time: 6-7 hours. Challenging ascent to the "Second Cave" where you will relax and take lunch with superb views of Kibo and the ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch proceed towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, where we camp in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves. [BLD]. DAY 4 - MAWENZI TURN HUT Altitude: 11,320' to 14,210'; Hiking time: 3-4 hours. A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before we reach our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area. [BLD] DAY 5 - KIBO CAMPSITE Altitude: 14,210' to 15,580'; Hiking time: 4-5 hours. We cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Campsite. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent. [BLD] DAY 6 -FINAL ASCENT-HOROMBO CAMP Altitude: 15,580' to 18,650' (Gillman's Point) to 19,340' (summit) then down to 12,200'; Hiking time: 12-16 hours. Begin the final, steepest and most difficult part of the ascent at 1:00am. Hike slowly on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point. Rest for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. For those who feel strong enough, continue (3 hrs roundtrip) to Uhuru Peak passing close to spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs in the summit area. Descend to Kibo for lunch and a rest then continue down the Marangu route to our Horombo Camp. [BLD] DAY 7 - DESCENT TO MARANGU Altitude: 12,200' to 6,250'; Hiking time: 5-6 hours. Descend steadily through the moorland, past Mandara Hut and through a lush rain forest to the Marangu park gate. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel [B&B] |
