ITINERARY FOR 6 DAYS RONGAI
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. Descent is made via the Marangu route.
ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT.
Representative of Picture Tanzania Safari will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and escort you to tonight’s accommodations in Moshi/Arusha. As local Tanzania’s our guides know the country with unrivaled familiarity, so you’ll be in good hands from the moment you land to the moment you leave.
DAY 1: NALEMORU GARE (1990m) TO SIMBA CAMP (2625m).
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
This morning we will drive to the village of NaleMoru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.
DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP (2626m) TO KIKELEWA CAMP (3679m).
Approx. time taken: 6 – 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 11.8 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
We hike from Simba camp up towards Kibo till 3 482m for lunch at First Caves, a distance of 5.8km. After lunch we continue trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3679 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water can be found in an obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelewa camp.
DAY 3: KIKELEWA CAVE (3679m) TO MAWENZI TARN CAMP (4303m).
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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.
DAY 4: MAWENZI TARN CAMP (4303m) TO KIBO HUT (4730m).
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 5 – 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After breakfast we head west and 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 hut.
Day 5: Kibo hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3705m)
Approx. time taken: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo
Distance: Approximate 12 – 15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
You will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and 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. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillmans 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 will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest at Kibo hot, you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your 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 a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
DAY 6: HOROMBO HUT (3705m) TO MARANGU GATGE (1860m)
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 29 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Safari Package Includes:
• Portable toilet tent.
• 2 Nights Hotel accommodations in Moshi, a day before trek and a day after trek.
• Transportation to and from your selected route.
• Transfer from Airport/Bus station in Moshi on arrival and return to airport/Bus station after climb.
• Quality, Waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tent.
• Quality Mess tents with table and chairs.
• Certified, experienced, English speaking mountain guides.
• All Tanzanian National Park Fees.
• Government Climbing Taxes.
• Climbing permits.
• All hot Meals prepared by our cook while on Mountain.
• Guides, Porters and Cook Salaries.
• Fair and ethical treatment of Porters.
• Enough porters to carry your luggage:
-Safety Equipment:
-Emergency Oxygen
-Pulse Ox meter
• Hot drinks at every meal.
• Water provided on climb, mineral water for the first day and boiled water every day.
• Emergency rescue fees
• Personal Summit Certificate signed by the National Park and your Guide
Safari Package Excludes:
• Personal items and toiletries
• Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain
• Tipping on Kilimanjaro from the trekking group (not per climber):
-Head Guides: $20/day/guide
-Assistance Guides: $15/day/guide
-Cook: $15/day
-Porter: $10/day/porter
• Nonalcoholic drinks and Alcoholic drinks.
• Laundry services International airfares and departure taxes
• All items of person nature such as telephone call, fax, email etc
• Visa and International flight tickets fees.
N/B: Our Guides, cooks and Porters are always satisfied with your thanks giving (tip) you have and not beyond your ability.