The Rongai Route is one of the easiest routes and the success rate is very high.
The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least traveled routes. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many view points.
The drive to the trail head takes about 3 hours from Moshi through many villages and coffee plantations, including a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu.
The Rongai Route can also be accessed from Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Allow 2 hours including border crossing. We will need copies of passports ahead of time.
| Duration | 6 Days 5 Night |
|---|---|
| Tour Type | Hiking |
| Group Size | No size Limit |
| Guides Languages | English |
| Package Includes |
Private Transportation to and from your selected Route Airport pick up Quality, Waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tent for camp route Certified, experienced, English speaking mountain guides All Kilimanjaro National Park Fees Government Climbing Taxes Climbing permits All hot Meals prepared by our cook while on Mountain Guides, Porters and Cook Salaries Fair and ethical treatment of Porters Enough porters to carry your luggage Personal Summit Certificate signed by the National Park and your Guide |
| Excluded |
Personal items and toiletries
Accommodation before & After trek Hotel (available as an optional addon) Transfers (available as an optional addon) Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting) Tips for guides, porters and cook International airfares and departure taxes All items of person nature such as telephone call, fax, email etc Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks Visa and International flight tickets fees. |
After an early breakfast in your hotel you guide will pick you and start with a three hour drive to rongai gate where all formalities will be handled and thereafter start our hike that will first pass though maize and potatoes plantations and then to montane forest. Our climb will be consistent but gentle and will lead us to our first camp which offers magnificent view of Kenyan plains.
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Today we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.
Hike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day!
Note: for those who hike 7days they will have 2night at third cave for acclimatization to School Hut the hike will increase your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.
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 (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly "pole pole" and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. 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). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour). Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!
| Solo = | $1,702 USD |
|---|---|
| Group of 2 = | $1,654 USD |
| Group of 3 = | $1,600 USD |
| Group of 4+ = | $1,550 USD |
