Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point of Africa standing at three peaks, Kibo which is 5,895 metres, Mawenzi 5,749 meters, Shira 4,160 meters, the mountain is an awesome spectacle, but climbing it is achievable by anyone who is determined and reasonably fit.
The Rongai Route is one of the easiest routes and the success rate is very high.The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least traveled routes. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many view points.The drive to the trail head takes about 3 hours from Moshi through many villages and coffee plantations, including a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu.
Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours via Rongai route
RONGAI ROUTE (6 Days - Itinerary)
Day 0 | Pre-trek Briefing
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an our representative, and transfer
to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms,
hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with
our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Note: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Day 1 | Hotel to Simba Camp
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide 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. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Day 2 - Simba Camp to Second Cave
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Day 3 - Second cave to Third Cave
Today we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.
Day 4 - Third Cave to Kibo Hut
Hike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day!
Day 5 - Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am),
commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the
crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in
Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your
friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to
the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold
until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part
of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Day 6 - Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the
Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and
trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer
clothing handy).
Kili Explorer Tanzanias vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in
Moshi or Arusha
.
RONGAI ROUTE
