7 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai

7 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai ascends Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya, This route retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.7 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai

Day one: Start Point 1996 m to Simba camp 2626 m

Depart from Arusha town and drive 3 hrs to the Marangu park gate for registration. From Marangu park gate we travel to Naro Moru, north east Kilimanjaro, a further 68 km and approximately 2 ½ hours on bad roads to the Rongai start point 1996 m. Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through a beautiful country side. The first night’s camp is at Simba Camp 2 626 m. The camp facilities include a public toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut.

Day two: Simba camp 2626 m to Kikelewa Camp 3679 m

We hike from Simba camp up towards Kibo till 3 482m for lunch at First Caves, a distance of 5.8km. After lunch we continue trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3679 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain. Water can be found in a obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelewa camp.

Day three: Kikelewa Cave 3679 m to Mawenzi Tarn camp 4303 m

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.

Day four: Mawenzi Tarn camp 4303 m to Kibo hut 4730 m

After breakfast we head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo hut.

Day Five to summit attempt

You will rise around 00:00 am, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot.
The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point 5 681 m, which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kilimanjaro shuffle and move slowly. From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak 5895 m, the highest point in Africa. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest at Kibo hot, you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (three hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Day six: Horombo hut 3705 m to Marangu Gate 1860 m

After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. Click here for more info on tips.

Included In Tour Program

  • 2 nights’ accommodation at Peace Hotel in Arusha.
  • All nights’ accommodation in Tents.
  • Professional, experienced, mountain.
  •  All Park fees and Rescue fees.
  •  All meals while on the Mountain.
  • Arrival and Departure transfers.
  • Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees.
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food.
  • Clean, purified drinking water.
  • Fair and ethical treatment of porters.

Excludes:

  • Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.
  • Optional Tours.
  • Tips and any items of personal nature.
  • International and Local Flights.
  • Yellow fever vaccinations.

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