Rongai Route 7 Days 6 Nights
Rongai route ascends Mount Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. The rongai route retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness. Rongai was largely unused for many years as the area was considered sensitive, but in recent years it has seen a greater number of climbers. Experienced guides consider this ascent route to be both easier and more beautiful than the very busy Marangu trail, though perhaps less scenic than Lemosho and Shira routes. Less crowded because of its remote location the route offers trekkers a unique wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant and buffalo.
The Rongai route is the only route to approach Kilimanjaro from the North and the descent is via the Marangu route. The Standard Rongai itinerary is six days, but in our opinion this is too short for effective altitude acclimatization. We recommend to add an extra day to Rongai to ensure maximum acclimatization and to give you the best chance of viewing the unique scenery. Rongai is often marketed as a rapid ascent route but due to the beauty of the natural scenery and the comparatively easy trail, We think it works better as a relaxed route for those climbers wanting to enjoy their climb and not just race to the top.
Activities
ITINERARY RONGAI ROUTE 7 DAYS 6 NIGHTS
DAY 1 AIRPORT - HOTEL MOSHI
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), compete customers clearance before looking for your drive, who will be waiting for you. Holding a paper with your names. You will drive to hotel in Moshi town where you will have Overnight dinner, & breakfast.
DAY 2 MOSHI - SIMBA CAMP
After breakfast, you will drive to Marangu Gate for permit, and complete the Park registration. Our porters prepare and pack our supplies and luggage before we start our ascent though the village of Nale Moru. Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery, and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local Flora & Fauna and natural wildlife you are likely to see. Overnight dinner & breakfast at Simba Camp.
DAY 3 SIMBA CAMP - SECOND CAVE
Weak up in the morning, after breakfast 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. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave. You will have Overnight dinner & breakfast at Second cave Camp.
DAY 4 SECOND CAVE - THIRD CAVE
After breakfast and packing, you continue your stead ascent, entering in to the semi-desert terrain. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Easter ice field, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. Around lunchtime, it is time to leave the camp and make your way across the health, following a narrow path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi and Third Cave. In the Evening you will have Overnight dinner & breakfast at Third Cave .
DAY 5 THIRD CAVE - KIBO HUT
After breakfast as usually, today you depart early the semi-desert zone from the Third cave early in the morning and begin your trek into the Alpine Desert terrain for the remainder of your ascent. You will now find yourself walking through the almost lunar landscape that is known as 'The Saddle'. On arrival at Kibo huts, located at the foot of the Kibo crater wall. It is time to prepare your equipment of warm clothes for the next day's trek to the peak. Remember in the early evening you will have Overnight dinner & breakfast at Kibo Hut,
DAY 6 KIBO - SUMMIT TO HOROMBO
Summit day! We will rise around 01:15 A.M hours and after some hot tea & chocolate we will start our ascent. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Gilman's Point on the rim crater. This section is very steep with much stone scree and is the most demanding section of the route. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the Crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. From here on you remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way. After photos, celebration and may be a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Horombo, stopping at Kibo Hut for lunch and a very brief rest. Overnight dinner & breakfast at Horombo Hut.
DAY 7 HOROMBO - HOTEL MOSHI
After breakfast and heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with you crew it's time to say goodbye. We continue the descend down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificate. We highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles as the weather is drastically warmer when terrain is wet, muddy and steep. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. Enjoy a long overdue hot shower Overnight dinner & celebrations!
Price Include
- 2 Night accommodation in Moshi
- Private professional mountain guides
- All park entry fees
- Rescue fees
- All camping equipments
- All meals while on the Mountain
- All salaries for team
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- Government taxes, VAT and all relating service charges
- Emergency Oxygen
- Transport to and from the park gate
Exclude
- Tanzania Visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
- Tips and any items of personal nature.
- Items of personal nature
- Portable toilets:
- Car Supplement $145/car
- Gratitude for climbing crew
- Gear for your climb, Some equipments is available for rent.
- Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included
