6 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing & Hiking: Rongai Route
Overview
The Rongai route begins on the northern side of the mountain and is the least travelled route. It is a long drive to the starting point but you are rewarded by fantastic views and the likelihood that you will be the only climbers around. If you take this route up the mountain you are obliged to descend via the Marangu Route that is the most popular and well-used route.
Rongai is less crowded route and located on leeward side receiving little precipitation, also Rongai has higher success rate, and it is one of the easiest route on the mountain. Accommodation is in camps.
Cost per person based on 2 pax: from $1890
Included/Exclude
- 2 Nights’ accommodation at Springlands Hotel – Bed & Breakfast Basis
- Pulse oximeters
- All park fees
- National Park approved guides and porters
- 18% VAT
- Accommodation on the mountain (Three-man mountain tents used for two people only on all routes except for Marangu Route as accommodation is in huts.) Stools, a mess tent and hot water for washing are provided on the mountain.
- Meals on the mountain
- Transport from Moshi at Springlands hotel to the Starting point of the mountain and return to Moshi at Springlands hotel
- Transfer to and from Kilimanjaro Airport ($20/person one-way)
- Tips to driver, porters and guide
- Visas
- Insurance
- Items of personal nature
- Transfer from Arusha per private car hire $100 one way
- Climbing gear – sleeping bags, shoes etc.
Tour Plan
Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport and we’ll transfer you to Springlands Hotel/ Alternative Hotel in Moshi where you will overnight in preparation for your climb the next day.
After breakfast we will transfer you to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950 m.) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. Most clients like to stay at SIMBA CAMPSITE but there is 1ST CAVE CAMSITE also. [3-4 hours walking]
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m.) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant scenarios near KIKELEWA or 2nd CAVES CAMPSITE where you will overnight. (3.600 m.) [6-7 hours walking]
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes 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 (4,330 m.), 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. Overnight at MAWENZI TURN HUT CAMPSITE or 3RD CAVE CAMPSITE [3-4 hours walking]
We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach School/KIBO CAMPSITE (4,750 m.) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! [4-5 hours walking]
We will start the final, and by far the steepest 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 (5,685 m.) We will rest there 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 (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m.) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final Campsite at Horombo (HOROMBO CAMPSITE) (3,720 m.). [11-15 hours walking].
A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m). [5-6 hours walking]. You will be transferred to Springlands Hotel or Alternative Hotel in Moshi for overnight.
Departing day– You will be provided with the transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
