KILIMANJARO

6 Days Rongai Route Trek

We avoid the crowded Marangu route on Kilimanjaro, preferring to approach the mountain from the north by the lightly used Rongai route. The Rongai route starts just south of Kenya- Tanzania border and has been almost unused for many years because the area was considered sensitive. Now open for climbing once again, experienced guides consider this ascent route to be both easier and more beautiful than the main Marangu trail. The Rongai route begins in attractive farmland and delightful forest, with the possibility of wildlife viewing, and passes through several different climate zones, adding considerably to the interest of the trek.

We also add an extra day to the standard five day itinerary to ensure maximum acclimatization and give ourselves the best possible chance of enjoying the magnificent scenery. Recent National Park statistics indicate that the chance of reaching the summit increases by at least 30% if an extra day is spent acclimatizing. The deviation to Mawenzi Tarn is very beautiful and on a little – used trail through moorland. This route retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the North 

Day 1:

For rongai route first of all register at the Marangu park gate and transfer by 4 x 4
car(Approximately two and a half hours) to Rongai gate and begin walking  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 at Kikelewa caves is on the edge of the moorland zone overlooking Kenyan plains

Day 2:

Kikelewa caves Altitude: 8,530ft’ to 11,320ft’; Hiking time 5 – 6
hours.A tougher ascent to the ” Second Cave” where you will rest for a while and take lunch with superb views of Kibo and ice fields on the crater rim and these will be seen on clear days. After lunch proceed towards the rough peaks of Mawenzi, where we camp is set in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves

Day 3:

Altitude 11,320ft – 14,210 ft takes 3 – 5 hours and it is a short walk 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 Hut spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi where you will be able to. spend the afernoon acclimatizing and exploring the area

Day 4:

Altitude: 14,210ft’ to 15,580ft’; Hiking time 4 – 6 hours.

Walking between the 2 peaks ( saddle) of Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Campsite. The rest of the day is spent resting in preparation of the final ascent and get acclimitised

Day 5:

Altitude: 15,580ft to 18,650ft’; (Gilman’s Point) to 19, 340′ (summit) called Uhuru Peak then down to 12,200ft at Horombo huts’, Hiking time: 12 – 15 hours.

Start the final, steepest and most difficult part of the ascent at 12 – 1:00am.Walk up on the stone gravels slowly on a zig zagging  trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point.Have a stop over for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi peak.If you will still feeling stronger continue (2 hrs roundtrip) to Uhuru Peak(summit) passing close to spectacular gaciers and ice blocks in the  summint area. Descend to Kibo for lunch and meeting the porters again who will carry your lugagge and rest for a while then continue walking down the Marangu route to our Horombo Camp

Day 6:

Altitude 12,200 ft – 6,250ft,walking hours is 5- 6 hrs. A day is spent descening to Marangu gate  where you will be awarded a certificate for those who managed to reach the  summit.Afterwards transfer to Arusha town for your private plans

The prices includes:

The price does not include: