The Rongai route is the second easiest route (after the Marangu route) by which to ascend Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa with its two main summits, the craggy Mawenzi, 5149m, and the 'flat-topped', glaciated Kibo, 5896m. The Saddle, a 5km wide, high-altitude, semi-desert separates the two. From the summit glaciers, screes, cliffs, afro-alpine moorland then forests lead down to the cultivated foothills. The Rongai route takes you at a gentle pace through these dramatically different zones.
The Rongai Route is on the north of the mountain and is a 4 hour drive from Moshi to Naro Moru town. Shortly beyond lies the Park Gate at about 2150m.
The route can be done in 6 days going directly to Kibo Hut from where the final ascent is made. Accommodation throughout is in tents. For the ascent to Uhuru Peak from Kibo Hut a very early start is made since the scree is easier to climb when frozen and the views from the crater rim at dawn can be spectacular. Ski sticks are useful when ascending the scree to the summit. This is a tough walking trip but within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas. The 6 day trek is recommended for those with experience of trekking to altitude.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Kili airport where you will be met and transferred to Springlands hotel for B&B.
Day 2: Drive 4 hours to the Rongai Gate. Walk to Simba Camp at 2650m, 2,5-3 hrs. The walk is initially through plantations then rain forest and finally bush country.
Day 3: Walk to 2nd Cave at 3450m, 3,5 hrs. A gentle day through bush then heathers.
Day 4: Gentle rising traverse through moorland over several ridges to Kikelea Caves, 3600m, 3 hours.
Day 5: From the caves traverse angled screes slopes lead across the Saddle to Kibo Hut, 4700m.
Day 6: Very early start for the summit on steep scree up to Gillman's Point (5681m) which is on the crater rim. Continue around the rim to Uhuru Peak (5895m) the highest point in Africa. Descend to Kibo Hut for tea and biscuits or soup and then down to the thicker air and relative warmth of Horombo hut.
Day 7: Descend to Marangu gate. Drive back to the hotel (B&B).
Day 8: Depart after breakfast.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Transfer to and from Kilimanjaro airport - hotel.
- All park fees, guides, porters, cook.
- Accommodation and food on mountain.
- 2 nights B&B accommodation in hotel.
Price Excludes:
- Tips.
- Airport transfers.
- Extra drinks.
- Meals other than breakfast, at the hotel.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Tanzania
Outdoor: Mountain Ranger
Mountain/Rock Climbing
Hiking & Trekking
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
, ext: 18856
