9 days Kilimanjaro Climb Via Rongai Route
Overview
Kilimanjaro is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa and this correlates with your trek sublimely. The enchanting views start with the golden savannah, journey amid the ancient caves and travel to the frosty region of the summit. The 8 days Rongai Route is the only route that tackles Kilimanjaro from the north side. This offers an exclusive journey to the summit. The neighbouring Kenyan region provides the scenic plains of the Maasai land where conspicuous splotches of wildlife including buffalo, elephants and monkeys emerge. The drive to get to the gate it is filled with fantastic sights. In the rainy seasons the route is ideal because the north side receives less precipitation, permitting a safer trek.
Included/Exclude
- Transport from/to park gate & airport transfer
- Pre and post climb accommodation (B&B) in Moshi
- Park, camping & rescue fees
- Mountain tent & mattress
- Professional English speaking guide(s); porters & cook
- 8 breakfasts; 7 lunches; 6 dinners
- Water; tea and coffee with meals
- Flights
- Lunch & dinner in Moshi
- Travel insurance
- Visa and passport fees
- Increases in park fees where applicable
- Personal equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Tips for guide(s), porters & cook
- Soda and Alcoholic beverages
Tour Plan
Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi
You will be picked up from the airport, from there you will go to the hotel for orientation on your hike. Your guides provide relevant information for your specific route and preform a comprehensive inspection on your gear.
Day 2: Rongai Gate / Nalemoru (1950m) to Simba Camp (2650m) (First Cave Camp)
WalkingTime: 3-4hrs Distance: 6.5km Altitude Gain: 700m
In the morning we will drive you from your hotel to the Marangu Gate (1,8km). Park registration will be completed upon arriving and then we will proceed to the Nalemoru gate (Under 2km). On the way you will encounter with the natives. An appetising hot lunch will be served at the gate an introductions between you and your crew members will take place. We will embark on the 9 days Rongai Route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Fallen leaves from the forest will crackle beneath your feet as you marvel at the immensity of the emerald canopy. The knotted ember arms of the tree rise towards the sky, assisting the blue monkeys with their trapeze performance. We will arrive at the Simba Campsite where we will spend the night (2650m / 3-4 hours of hiking).
Day 3: Simba Camp (2650m) to Second Caves Camp 3150m
Walking Time: 3-4hrs Distance: 4km Altitude Gain: 500m
After a delicious breakfast we will continue to move in the direction of the looming peak of Kibo to the Second Cave. The arid plains are scattered with hoary desert plants and the heather is dominated by whimsical plantation and celestially enormous trees. Hot lunch will be provided at the Second Caves Camp (3150m / 3-4 hours). There is a possibility of small excursions towards the Third Cave – this will aid the acclimatisation process, relaxing is also an option. The excursions will increase your chances of witnessing marvellous sights including the distinct crown of Mawenzi’s serrated, dark peak speckled with snow. Encountering wildlife such as buffaloes or jackals is the spectacular figure of Kibo Peak (the summit peak) is best observed at this angle. Your tents will be assembled at the Second Cave.
Day 4: Second caves Camp (3150m) to Kikelewa Caves (3600m)
Walking Time: 3-4hrs Distance: 5km Altitude Gain: 450m
The trek advances towards Kibo and will begin after breakfast served. We will venture through an exposed area of moorland and heather foliage to reach the Kikelewa Caves Camp. Your chances of viewing Kibo, is high. You may as well spot the great buffalo with winding horns and more jackals. A hot lunch will be served at the campsite.
Day 5: Kikelewa Caves (3600m) to Mawenzi Tarn (4330m)
Walking Time: 3-4hrs Distance: 6km Altitude Gain: 370m
We will travel to the Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m) after breakfast. Our trek proceeds through a low desert area. The comforting aromas of your delicious hot lunch will drift through the entrance of the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. (6000m / 3-4 hour trek). Brief excursions for acclimatisation may occur but the remaining hours of the afternoon will be spent lounging, napping and dancing as well with you crew and other people you met on the same journey around the campsite
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4700m)
Walking Time: 4-5hrs Distance: 9km Altitude Gain: 370m
The route gradually develops into a steeper, rockier trail as we further ourselves from the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. Traveling along the meek landscape of the ashen ‘Saddle’, lava stone ridge amid Mawenzi and Kibo, provides nice views of the peak of Kilimanjaro. An appetising, warm meal will be served when we arrive at the Kibo Hut (4703m). You will have a relaxing evening and an early bedtime to ensure that you are well rested for the midnight trek to the summit.
Day 7: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
Walking Time: 6-8hrs ascent, 5-6hrs descent Distance: 5km ascent, 15km descent Altitude Gain: 1195m Altitude Loss: 2195m
We will depart from the huts shortly after midnight and undertake the most demanding day of the entire trek. Until we reach the beautiful Hans Meyer Cave the trail ensues an extended screed incline, at this stage it adapts into a single-file zigzag. A rocky path with wildflowers bursting from the earth with their azure gongs attached will lead us to Gillman’s Point (5685m). This is the most challenging section of the route. Gillman’s Point signifies the last two hours of the hike to Uhuru Peak are upon us (5895m). We will marvel at the view and celebrate what you have accomplished before starting the descent to Kibo Hut where we will take a break. Horombo Hut is our final destination for the day and you can enjoy a well-deserved slumber.
Day 8: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1800m) to Moshi
Walking Time: 5-6hrs Distance: 20km Altitude Loss: 1900m
After enjoying an appetising breakfast we will circle past the Mandara Hut and through the magnificent rainforest before reaching the Marangu gate. You will receive your summit certificates for completing the 9 days Rongai Route and short festivities with your porters will occur. You will be transported to your hotel where a steaming shower and comfy bedding await.
Day 9: Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport
A driver will bring you to Kilimanjaro Airport, where it is time to say goodby to Tanzania and its friendly people. If you’ve decided to go on a safari – well, we will be more than happy to arrange it for you.
