Join us on a legendary Kilimanjaro trek on Africa’s highest and most famous mountain on the Marangu route. An amazing Trekking adventure in Tanzania
Join us on a legendary Kilimanjaro trek on Africa’s highest and most famous mountain on the Rongai route. An amazing Trekking adventure in Tanzania.
The 7 day Rongai route begins in Moshi when you arrive on day 1 at your lodge. The climb begins at the remote, northern side of Kilimanjaro, near the Kenyan border. We hike through a true wilderness area towards the jagged Mawenzi Peak, then cross a barren desert saddle, before climbing up Kibo’s eastern crater wall.
The Rongai route is a more gradual ascent, and is therefore preferred by those with little or no backpacking experience, but is equally enjoyable for even the most hardened trekkers. With only 7 days on the mountain and only 4.5 days before the summit climb, there is little time for altitude acclimatisation. This route ascends quickly and steady. It is recommended for climbers who lack the time to spend more days on the mountain.
Our trips begin and end at your lodge in Moshi or Arusha. Clients may arrive at any time on day one. There is a pre-trip meeting in the evening. With prior notice, private transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to your lodge can be arranged.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Mountain Cuisine (three hearty meals a day)
Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trek in Tanzania Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Kilimanjaro and Transfer to Arusha for overnight.
On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, will meet you and assist with your baggage then transfer to Outpost Lodge or similar for an overnight rest on bed and breakfast.
Day 2: Rongai Camp (Full board)
After an early breakfast in Arusha, you will drive to the Rongai (Nalemoru) Gate near the Kenya border. We begin our climb on this unspoilt wilderness route. The walk then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
The first day is only a half-day walk.
Nalemoru Gate to Rongai Camp (2,600 m): 3-4 hours walking.
Day 3: Rongai Second Cave (Full board)
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave, (3,450m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After hot lunch we have a free time to rest at the camp or in the afternoon we can explore the surrounding area for acclimatisation walk to Third Cave.
Rongai Camp to Second Cave (3,450 m): 3-4 hours walking.
Day 4: Rongai Kikelelwa Cave (Full board)
Gradual rise through beautiful open moorland towards jagged pinnacles of Mawenzi to Kikelewa Camp (3679m) we reach in late afternoon at Kikelewa Caves for dinner and overnight at the camp.
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave (3.600 m): 3-4 hours walking.
Day 5: Mawenzi Turn (Full board)
A Short but steep ascent to Mawenzi Tarn (4330m). Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn. The afternoon is free to help your acclimatization.
Kikelelwa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m):3-4 hours walking.
Day 6: Mawenzi Turn to Kibo Hut (Full board)
Today we cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and KiboHut (4700m), at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall by early afternoon. There is no running water at Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.
Mawenzi Turn to Kibo Hut (4,700m); 5-6 hours walking.
Day 7: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horrombo Hut (Full board)
Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to rim of the main crater, Gillman’s 5,685 m. We will rest there for few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru peak 5,895 m. which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment we descend to Kiko Hut is amazingly fast, and we stop at Kibo Hut for some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach Horrombo Hut.
Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut (3100 m): 13-15 hours walking.
Day 8: Horrombo Hut (Full board)
Today we will descend past Mandara hut to Marangu Gate, successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. From here you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort for dinner and overnight.
Horombo hut to Marangu Gate. (6-7 hours walking).
Day 9: pick up from your Hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) Private departure transfer for your flight back home.