Rongai Route

8 Days

ZRRR - Tanzania

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.

Available dates:

Sept 3 - Sep 10, 2005 Sept 17 - Sept 24, 2005 Oct 1 - Oct 8, 2005 Oct 9 - Oct 16, 2005 Oct 22 - Oct 29, 2005 Nov 12 - Nov 19, 2005 Nov 27 - Dec 4, 2005 Dec 10 - Dec 17, 2005 Dec 24 - Dec 31, 2005 Jan 1 - Jan 8, 2006 Jan 14 - Jan 21, 2006 Jan 19 - Feb 5, 2006 Feb 11 - Feb 18, 2006 Feb 25 - Mar 4, 2006 Mar 12 - Mar 19, 2006 Apr 8 - Apr 15, 2006 Apr 16 - Apr 23, 2006 June 17 - June 24, 2006 June 25 - Jul 2, 2006

Costs

$699.00 USD / $859.00 CAD
$20 Single supplement

Book Online / Ask an Agent

Itinerary

Day 1: 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.

Day 2 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. [3-4 hours walking]

Day 3 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 Caves (3.600 m.) [6-7 hours walking]

Day 4 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. [3-4 hours walking]

Day 5 We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach School 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]

Day 6 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 (3,720 m.). [11-15 hours walking].

Day 7 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.

Day 8 Departing day – You will be provided with the transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

NB : THE EXTRA DAY FOR ACCLIMATIZATION ON THE MOUNTAIN CAN BE DONE AT MAWENZI TARN HUT.

Book Online / Ask an Agent