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Mt Kilimanjaro
Climbing Rongai Route
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.
Day 1: Arrival - Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, met and assisted.
Transfer to SG Resort for an overnight rest on bed and
breakfast in readiness for the next day's hit to
Kilimanjaro.
Day 2: Rongai Gate (1950m) - 1st Caves camp (2600m)
Hiking time: 5 hours | Distance: About 8 km's | Habitat:
Montane forest
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.
Day 3: 1st Cave (2600m) - Kikelewa Cave (3600m)
Hiking time: 6-7 hours | Habitat: Moorlands
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.
Day 4: Kikelewa Cave (3600) - Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m)
Hiking time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Moorlands
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: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) - Kibo hut (4700m)
Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours | Habitat: Alpine desert
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: SUMMIT ATTEMPT, Kibo hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak
(5895m) - Horombo hut (3720m)
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. 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.
Day 7: Horombo hut (3720m) - Marangu Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 27 km's
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!!
Overnight in SG Resort, B,L.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight back
home or continue with your safari schedule. End of
services. B
Tour Price: US$ 1,450 per person sharing. Single room
supplement: USD 50
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 SG Resort 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
Excluded:
-Tips, laundry, sleeping bags, drinks and climbing gears
-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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