At 5,895 metres, the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa and one of the world’s largest free standing mountains accessible to walkers. There are six different routes up Kilimanjaro, with Rongai being the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north near the Kenyan border.
Rongai is ideal for those who are less confident of their ability being an easier route with a gradual and steady climb. It is popular because of its remoteness with opportunities of seeing wildlife on the first days. The walk takes you through unspoilt rainforest and wilderness areas and descends via Marangu route on the southern side, so you get to see both sides of the mountain. We add an extra day to the standard five day itinerary to ensure maximum acclimatization and the best chance of reaching the summit.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – After completing registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, we transfer to Rongai and the climb begins from the attractive village of Nale Moru (1,950 m.) on a small path that wind through fields before climbing gently through attractive forest which shelter a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro colobus monkey. The forest begins to thin out and we camp on the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. [3-4 hours walking]
Day 2 – This is only a steady uphill morning walk, with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim, up to the “Second Cave” (3,450 m.). The afternoon can be spent enjoying the view over the Kenyan plains or doing a short acclimatisation walk up towards Third Cave. [3-4 hours walking]
Day 3 – A short and steady morning ascent takes us to the “Third Cave” (3,900 m.). The weather and the scenery change, and the huge bulk of Kibo seems very close to our camp at “Third Cave” [2-3 hours walking]
Day 4 – We cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700 m.) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent! [5-6 hours walking]
Day 5 – We start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We walk slowly, in the darkness, on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (5,685 m.). We enjoy a short rest whilst enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who feel strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the 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 our campsite at Horombo (3,720 m.). [11-15 hours walking]
Day 6 – 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 lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu and head back to a welcome hot shower at our hotel. (1,830 m.). [5-6 hours walking]
Price £1,000. (Please note there is no local payment on top of the price.)
What’s Included
• Two nights bed and breakfast in Moshi at Panama Hotel, one night before and one night after the climb.
• Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro airport.
• Transfers from Panama Hotel to start point and return.
• Services of experienced and dedicated local guides, porters and cooks, supervised by Samson Lauwo.
• 3 meals a day and drinking water.
• All park fees including park rescue fees.
• Air Ambulance, emergency medical & air evacuation included with FAR Knight Support.
• Quality camping equipment including finger pulse oximetres, a mountain mess tent for meals to keep out the wind and cold. Incl. Kelty and North Face Mountain tents.
Other
• Equipment available for hire. Contact us for further details
• Transfers to and from Nairobi (either the airport or The Heron Hotel) to Moshi can be arranged, as well as from Arusha.
• Tipping is expected for good service on the route and can work out between 250 – 300 USD including tips to your guide, cook and porters.
