The Rongai Route
THIS ROUTE OFFERS BE AUTIFUL VIEWS of Kenya’s Maasai plains. This route is the least visited, thus offers a quiet environment and is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. It offers a gentle gradient and has some unspoiled flora and fauna.
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes.
Day: 1 Arrive in moshi
Booked into your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for overnight and briefing from your guide. You can start your trek any day of the year!
Day 2: moshi to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment located at 9000 ft / 2740 m. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colubus monkeys.
Day 3: Mandara to Horombo Camp
After about 1 hour, you will leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You will start to feel the affects of the altitude.
Day 4: Horombo to Kibo Camp
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
Day 5: Kibo to Summit and 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 at 18640 ft / 5861 m (4-7 hours). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa: 19340 ft / 5895 m (1-2 hours). Unbelievable views at every turn. Get your picture taken at the summit to show your friends. From here, we now descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment for dinner and a tired but happy overnight (1-2 hours).
Day 6: Horombo to Moshi
After breakfast, A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2700m / 8858 ft), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. Continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1830 m / 6004 ft). 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).
Price Includes
- - Arrival and departure transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport, as well as free shuttle transfer, Nairobi – Arusha – Nairobi, if flying to/from Nairobi.
- - Accommodation in mountain huts or mountain tents with mattresses; we use the highest quality of expedition tents by Eureka or Mountain Hardware.
- - Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- - All park fees, including mountain rescue fees, government taxes, and all applicable fees and taxes
- - Services of a professional leading guide who is medically trained, certified, licensed, and English speaking
- - Services of English-speaking assistant guide(s), a skilled cook, and enough porters for a guest’s luggage, food, water, and dinning tent
- - Transport back and forth from your hotel and the mountain
- - Use of radios/phones to increase your safety
Price Excludes
- - Items of personal nature such as passport, visa, traveler’s insurance, medical evacuation insurance ($50 value)
- - Tips to guides and porters
- - International airfare (unless explicitly stated)
- - Medical equipment which can be rented well in advance for the following costs: $250/group for hyperbaric chamber, $210/group for an emergency oxygen cylinder and $140/group for a stretcher. Please note these prices include a porter to carry the equipment.
- - Portable toilets: If you are concerned about using public toilets, a portable toilet is available for an extra $110/person or $180/group. This service must be confirmed at the time of booking.
Note
- - The luggage that porters are allowed to carry is limited to 35 pounds (ie: 15 kgs)
- - Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter at a rate of $10/bag/day
- - You can leave extra luggage at your hotel in Arusha or at our office (do not leave any valuables like cash, jewelry, electronics, etc)
Our Email
info@togoodsafaritz.com
Contact Us
+255 753 569 914