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MKCTK
604: Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing Rongai Route
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The 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.
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Day 1:
Arrival -
Moshi
- On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport,
met and assisted. Transfer to Keys Annex Hotel in Moshi for an overnight rest on bed
and breakfast in readiness for the next day's hit to Kilimanjaro.
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Day 2:
Rongai Gate (1950m) - 1st Caves camp (2600m)
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Hiking time: 5
hours | Distance: About
8 km's | Habitat:
Montane forest
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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, B,L,D.
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Day 3: 1st Cave
(2600m) - Kikelewa Cave (3600m)
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Hiking time:
6-7 hours | Habitat:
Moorlands
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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), B,L,D.
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Day 4: Kikelewa
Cave (3600) - Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m)
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Hiking time:
3-4 hours | Habitat:
Moorlands
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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.
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Day 5: Mawenzi
Tarn camp (4330m) - Kibo hut (4700m)
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Hiking time: 4
- 5 hours | Habitat: Alpine
desert
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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.
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Day 6: SUMMIT
ATTEMPT, Kibo hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo hut (3720m)
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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
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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, B,L,D.
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Day 7: Horombo
hut (3720m) - Marangu Gate (1980m)
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Hiking time: 6
hours | Distance: About
27 km's
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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 Moshi for a long overdue hot
shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight in
Keys Annex Hotel, B,L.
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Day 8: Departure
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Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight
back home or continue with your safari schedule. End of services. B
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Tour Price: US$ 1,550 per person sharing. Single
room supplement: US$ 95
Tour price
includes:
-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 Annex Hotel 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
-Treated water on the trek
-Return airport transfers from/to Kilimanjaro Airport
-Mountain rescue fees
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Excluded:
-Tips, laundry, sleeping bags, drinks and climbing gears
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-Medical evacuation, USD 30 per person value
-International flights and taxes
-Visas
-Items of a personal nature and any other extras not detailed in the above
itinerary.
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