7 DAYS KILIMANJARO RONGAI CLIMBING ROUTE

Description

Overview

The Rongai Route is one of the easiest routes and the success rate is very high. The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least traveled routes. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many viewpoints. The drive to the trail head takes about 2.5 hours from Moshi through many villages and coffee plantations, including a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu. The Rongai Route can also be accessed from Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Allow 2 hours including border crossing. We will need copies of passports ahead of time.

HIGHLIGHT

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp

Day 2: Hike Simba Camp to Second Cave

Day 3: Hike Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp

Day 4: Hike Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn

Day 5: Hike Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Day 6: Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hut

Day 7: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Arusha

1: Nairobi - Mt Kenya Bandas (2,900m) 3hrs, 10km walk, 950m ascent

Itenerary

7 DAYS KILIMANJARO RONGAI CLIMBING ROUTE

Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track 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 with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Accommodation:	camp
Meals:	B.L & D

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Accommodation:	camp
Meals Planed:	B.L & D

Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.

Accommodation:	camp .
Meals Planed:	B.L & D

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike

Accommodation:	camp
Meals Planed:	B.L & D

Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early.

Accommodation:	camp
Meals Planed:	B.L & D

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elevation 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Accommodation:	camp
Meals Planed:	B.L & D

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Moonlight Tours Expedition vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha (about 3 hour).

Accommodation:	none
Meals Planed:	B.L & D

Cancelation Procedure

10% Deposit payable upfront. Remaining balance payable 30 days prior to trip departure. Free cancellation up to 30 days prior departure. No refund applicable within 30 days of departure..

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Payment Procedure

A deposit of 10% is required when booking this tour. The remaining balance will be charged 30 days prior departure. For any bookings within 30days of departure, the full tour amount will be charged upon booking.