KILIMANJARO CLIMB- 7 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE
| Activity type: | Trekking |
| Activity level: | Easy/ Moderate |
| Availability: |
12 Feb 2019 - 31 Dec 2020 |
| Duration: | 7 Day(s) / Tour with flexible start dates |
| Price: | from $1552 / Negotiable |
Full description
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. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. Descent is made via the Marangu route.
Shika Tours and Safaris offers Rongai as a seven day group climb or a six or seven private climb. The six day variation does not have an acclimatization day on day four at Mawenzi Tarn.
Price includes
- - Private transport from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi. - 2 nights of accommodation at Parkview Inn. - Private transport to and from the hotel to the Kilimanjaro Park Gate - National Park entry fees and hut fees - Kilimanjaro Park rescue team fees - Government taxes - 3 freshly-prepared delicious meals daily on the mountain prepared by professional cooks whom are happy to accommodate your dietary needs - 3-4 liters of mineral/treated water per person per day - Hot drinks on the mountain and hot water for washing - Friendly and highly qualified mountain guides, assistant guides and professional cooks - Enough Porters to carry camping gear and additional baggage - Accommodation in Huts/camping - Portable oxygen tanks, ox meter and emergency first-aid kit - Porter’s Cook’s and Guide’s Salary.
Not included in price
- - Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel in Moshi before climb and before safari. - Personal items and toiletries - Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain. Tipping on Kilimanjaro from the trekking group (not per climber): • Guides: US$10/day/guide • Cook: US$8/day • Porter: US$5/day/porter N/B: Our Guides, cooks and Porters are always satisfied with your thanks giving (tip) you have and not beyond your ability.
Guide
Verified Profile
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I began climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2011 as a porter and after about two years, I became one of the most beloved and skilled guides in the business. I have an amazing sense and knowledge of the mountain and has led hundreds of clients to its peak. I have also been guiding safaris for three years, using my vast knowledge of Tanzanian nature and wildlife. I studied at the Professional Tour Guide School in Mombasa Kenya, completing My course in 2010. I worked with Popote Africa Adventure and another well-known company before founding SHIKA TOURS AND SAFARIS. I’m energetic, extremely funny, and most importantly, experienced. I will give you a trip your Lifetime
Location
Tanzania, Kilimanjaro Region, Rombo
Day 1
Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave
Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.
Day 2
Rongai Cave to to Second Cave
Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.
Day 3
Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.
Day 4
Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft -14,400 ft
Distance: 2 km/1 mile
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn
Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft -14,160 ft
Distance: 2 km/1 mile
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.
Day 5
Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Day 6
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 7
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
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Last update: Levis Manase
(1 Jan 2021)