The Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the north not far from the
Kenyan border. The area retains a sense of untouched wilderness lost on
the crowded Marangu and Machame trails. This route is the easiest of all
the routes, it has a relatively gentle gradient and short daily stages as
it winds its way from the starting point just south of the Kenya-Tanzania
border through attractive farmland and delightful forest to several other
climate zones, adding considerably to the interest of the trek. There are
magnificent views over the Amboseli Plains and genuine possibilities for
wildlife viewing. An extra day is added to the standard 5-day itinerary
to hike to the beautiful Mawenzi Tarn beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi;
this also ensures maximum acclimatisation for the climb to the summit. The
final ascent is arduous and made in darkness starting around midnight but
the reward is a spectacular dawn view of the glaciers and ice cliffs of
the summit, and across the East African plains far below. Descending through
lush forest, there is a final day to relax and recover before the flight
home.
It is much drier than the other routes and you might even encounter an elephant
on the way. Accommodation in tents.
Please note that we only organise private treks, there will be
only you and your travel partner(s) on that tour!
This itinerary starts at Kilimanjaro Airport, JRO, and ends at a hotel
in Arusha or Moshi.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival Moshi: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer
to Moshi and check–in at Hotel – hopefully catch the first
glimpse of the mountain. In the afternoon a debriefing about the climb.
Following the debriefing there will be an equipment check to ensure that
you have all the necessary equipment for the climb
Day 2 -Drive to Rongai: Hike up throught the Rongai Forest
approx 2560m
Drive to the town of Loitokitok on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro and
the trailhead five miles outside of town . From the Park entrance the
climber’s start the climb passing through the tropical rain forest.
It is about a 5-6 hour walk to First camp at approx 2560m but we advise
people to go very slowly. The forest teems with bird life and colobus
and other monkeys may be seen. We should arrive early afternoon so the
rest of the day will be used to relax and recheck your equipment.
Day 3 - First camp to Kikelewa Moorland. (3600m): Continue
through the forest, eventually encountering the moorlands just below a
large lava overhang known as Second Cave . Here we have lunch, then traverse
the open moorlands toward the spectacular peak of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro's
second major peak rising. Our second camp is at Kikelewa, shortly before
reaching the saddle that connects Mawenzi to Kibo and Uhuru peaks. (5-6
hours hiking.)
Day 4 Mawenzi Camp: Rising early you climb steadily to
craggy jugged peaks of Mawenzi.(one of the volcanic peaks) camp beneath
Mawenzi at approx 4,400m. Some groups take an alternative route away from
Mawenzi and camp on the north side of the saddle.
Day 5 Outward Bound Hut: Trek to the Outward Bound Hut
at 4,750m between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Mountain vistas are fabulous
as we emerge onto the saddle between glacier-covered Kibo and rock-crowned
Mawenzi (these mountain views alone are worth the effort of the trek!).
We’ll arrive by lunchtime, and have the afternoon to organize and
rest up for the summit attempt. We’ll turn in early (since we’ll
be arising at midnight). (4 hours hiking.)
Day 6 – Kibo camp to Gilman's point to Uhuru Peak –
Horombo Hut: this is the hardest day of the climb and an early
start at midnight or one, where it is dark cold and where you use your
head torch for the first few hours. you will rest and have coffee at Hans
Meyers cave after about 2hours climbing. Depending on weather conditions
the temperature can be as low as -25 c. At dawn you should reach Gilman's
point and usually see a spectacular sunrise as you stand above the clouds.
From here if you have enough energy left a further 1 and a half hours
walk lies ahead before you are standing on the highest part of the African
continent- Uhuru Peak. A quick photo session and then you descend down
to Kibo and then on to Horombo at 3720m - now a well earned beer!! and
good sleep. (11-12 hours hiking.)
Day 7 Horombo – Hotel in Moshi : Descending across
the moorland and into the forest to Mandara where groups usually have
lunch. After lunch continue down to Marangu gate. (the descent is on the
Marangu route). Then back to your Hotel to celebrate with the guides and
the porters and of course tip them.
Day 8 Departure for Kilimanjaro airport
We use state-of-the-art North Face Tents, VE25
| Prices
in USD |
| Tour No. SAV63 |
in high season |
Single supplement
|
| 2 clients |
|
| year 2007/2008 |
From $1,790 |
|
|
Group Size 2 - 6
Departure Dates Daily Departure from Arusha |
|
| included
all meals
2 night hotel accommodation in Moshi or Arusha
transfers to and from hotel, airport transfers
mountain tent (North Face tents) accommodation, toilet tent, table
and chairs
climb and park fees, porters
English speaking, professional mountain guide
full briefing
AAR Emergency Rescue & Evacuation Insurance
Kilimanjaro certificate.
not included
Items of a personal nature
passport visa
traveler’s insurance
Tips to guides and porters.
|
|