Itinerary Overview
RONGAI ROUTE 7 DAY begins at the remote, northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, near the Kenyan border. We hike through a true wilderness area towards the jagged Mawenzi Peak, then cross a barren desert saddle, before climbing up to Kibo Hut
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport, we will use our private transfer to Marangu at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort.
We will gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
Dinner and overnight at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort: Bed, Dinner and Breakfast-included.
Day 2: Rongai Simba camp (Full Board)
We take a ride to Marangu to complete the necessary registration formalities, before transferring by SUV to Rongai. The climb begins from the Nale Moru (6,400 ft) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering a pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently thro an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out at the edge of the moorland zone. Then, we take in the expansive views over the Kenyan plains as we arrive at our first campsite at Rongai One Camp (8,500 ft). [3-4 hours walking]
Day 3: Rongai Second Cave (Full Board)
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (11,300 ft) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out and head southeast across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley, decorated with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (11,800 ft). [6-7 hours walking]
Day 4: Rongai Kikelelwa Cave (Full Board)
A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (14,200 ft), 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. [3-4 hours walking]
Day 5: Mawenzi Turn (Full Board)
Likewise, you will have an additional day to acclimatize. We explore the area with a walk up onto the Saddle towards Camel’s Back. We return back to camp at Mawenzi Tarn (14,200 ft). [2-3 hours walking]
Day 6: Mawenzi Turn to Kibo Hut (Full Board)
We cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) at the bottom of the crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for an early morning final ascent. [5-6 hours walking]
Day 7: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horrombo Hut (Full Board)
Moreover, you will start the final and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (18,600 ft). We rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshments, we continue the descent to Horombo Huts (12,200 ft). [11-15 hours walking]
Day 8: Horrombo Hut (Full Board)
A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Huts (8,900 ft). We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Marangu (6,000 ft), where we are transferred back to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort in Marangu. [5-6 hours walking]
Dinner and overnight at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort: Bed, Dinner and Breakfast-included.
Day 9: Departing Day
After saying bye to our team of guides, then you need a private departure transfer, which is included from Marangu to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight unless you have an option to have a short safari or any other option we will discuss.
OUR STANDARD PACKAGE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
Tanzania VAT on tourism activities and park fees
Return transfers Kilimanjaro airport to Arusha and Arusha to Kilimanjaro airport
Hotel Lodging the night before and the night after the climb, with dinner and breakfast included (double occupancy)
With bed dinner and breakfast
Transfer from your hotel to starting point for your climb, and return to your hotel after your climb
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping fees, and climbing permits.
Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)
Flying Doctor Service
EXCLUDED FROM ABOVE PACKAGE RATES:
Flights and airport taxes
Items of a personal nature
Compulsory tips for guides, porters and cook
Tips and any items of personal nature.