Mount Kilimanjaro Trek Experience-Rongai Route

Trip Completed

Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

From Jun 29, 2021 to Jul 5, 2021 (Flexible)

Trip Details

Let's trek and explore the heights of Africa by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in Africa.

Rongai Route begins on the Northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a long drive to the starting point from Moshi town, but you are rewarded by fantastic views and sometimes you will be the only climbers around; If you take this route up the mountain, you are obliged by park rules to descend via the Marangu Route on the Southside of the mountain, therefore climbers see the mountain from many views point.

ITINERARY

Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania and transfer to the hotel

Arrive in Tanzania via Kilimanjaro International airport (JRO) KLM Safaris' staff will pick you up and transfer to Moshi town where you will spend the first night at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel. If you will arrive through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKA) in Kenya, we will pick them and transfer by Shuttle bus to Moshi. There is an optional pre-trek Day in Moshi. The pre-trek day is important to rest well and acclimatise. There will be time to explore Moshi town. In the afternoon, we will have an orientation to check equipment ready to start the climb.

Day 1: Drive to Rongai Gate (2000M) and climbing to Simba Camp (2600M)

4 hours Zone: Rainforest The climb begins from Nale Moru (1,950m/ 6,397ft) on a small path which winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering a pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently, through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long 'cape' of white hair and a flowing whitetail. The forest begins to thin out at the edge of the moorland zone. Take in the expansive views over the Kenyan plains as you arrive at your first campsite.

Day 2: Simba Camp 3,500 M to first cave 3,600 M

Zone: Low Alpine Zone Rain forest zone. Elevation Gain: 100 meters, 510 feet 3-4 hrs

Day 3: First cave 2,600 M to Kikelewa camp 3,600 M

Elevation Gain: 1000 meters, 3,300 feet 7hrs Zone: Low Alpine Zone

Day 4: Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp 4,315 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 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp 4703 M

Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the 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 Camp.

Day 6: Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak 5,895 M

You will wake up around 11:30 pm, 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 681m), 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. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. From Gillman’s point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour the descent back to Kibo hut for a short rest ten after you descent to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The descent to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent.

Day 7: Descend from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. You now drive back to Moshi at a hotel where your trekking tour ends.

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