Rongai Route
The Rongai route begins its ascent of Kilimanjaro from the
northeastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. Experienced guides consider the Rongai route to be both easier
and more scenic than the Marangu Trail. Summit attempts begin in the pre-dawn hours, with climbers usually reaching Gillman's Point at sunrise.
For those who feel strong enough, an approximately three hour round trip hike will take you from Gillman's Point to Uhuru Peak. Private climbs
are available year round at an additional cost.
Arrival:
Day 1 Arrival in Tanzania
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport on flight KLM flight # …….. Arrive at
08:30 Pm you will be picked up with our representative from Airport to Moshi where you will be taken strait to Bristol Cottage where you
will meeting the Mountain crew and preparing for the climb. You will have the opportunity to go over any last minute
questions, have the crew check your gear. At this point you will also have the chance to leave a bag behind with anything you don't need on the
mountain. Your left-behind gear will be secured at the office in Moshi and will meet you as soon as you come down off the mountain. Stay
overnight at Bristol Cottage
Kilimanjaro Trekking
Stage 1 ~ RONGAI CAMP
Altitude: 6,396' to 8,530'; Hiking time: 3 hours.
Register at the Marangu park gate and transfer by Land Rover (approximately two and a half hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your climbing
staff and begin hiking from the village of Nale Moru. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs
gently through a forest sheltering a variety of wildlife, including the Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. Our campsite is on the edge of the moorland
zone with expansive views of the Kenyan plains. [BLD]
Stage 2 ~ KIKELEWA CAVES
Kikelewa Caves Altitude: 8,530' to 11,320'; Hiking time: 6-7 hours.
Challenging ascent to the "Second Cave" where you will relax and take lunch with superb views of Kibo and the ice fields on the crater rim.
After lunch proceed towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, where we camp in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves. [BLD].
Stage 3 ~ MAWENZI TARN
Altitude: 11,320' to 14,210'; Hiking time: 3-4 hours.
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before we reach our next
camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area. [BLD]
Stage 4 ~ KIBO CAMPSITE
Altitude: 14,210' to 15,580'; Hiking time: 4-5 hours.
We cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Campsite. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final
ascent. [BLD]
Stage 5 ~ FINAL ASCENT-HOROMBO CAMP
Altitude: 15,580' to 18,650' (Gillman's Point) to 19,340' (summit) then down to
12,200'; Hiking time: 12-16 hours.
Begin the final, steepest and most difficult part of the ascent at 1:00am.
Hike slowly on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point. Rest for a short time to enjoy the
spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. For those who feel strong enough, continue (3 hrs roundtrip) to Uhuru Peak passing close to spectacular
glaciers and ice cliffs in the summit area. Descend to Kibo for lunch and a rest then continue down the Marangu route to our Horombo Camp. [BLD]
Stage 6 ~ DESCENT TO MARANGU
Altitude: 12,200' to 6,250'; Hiking time: 5-6 hours.
Descend steadily through the moorland, past Mandara Hut and through a lush rain forest to the Marangu park gate. Dinner and overnight at the
Bristol Cottage [B&B]
Included:
· An experienced Tanzanian climbing guide
· Mountain climbing orientation the afternoon before the climb
· Tanzanian couriers and porters
· All hotel and lodge accommodations as specified on this itinerary
· Hut fee on the mountain
· All meals as specified on this itinerary
· All ground transportation as specified on this itinerary
· All group equipment
· All park fees on Mt. Kilimanjaro
Not Included:
· All international Flight
· All airport departure taxes
· Personal equipment, sleeping bag and pad etc
· Meals in hotels
· Passport and visa fees
· Gratuities for our local couriers, porters, and trip leaders while on the climb.
· Items of a personal nature such as liquor, fax, telephone, and laundry
· Trip cancellation, travel delay, or baggage insurance, emergency evacuation off the mountain
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