Approach the mountain from the north by the lightly-used Rongai route that starts just south of the Kenya-Tanzania border. Now open for climbing once again, experienced guides consider this ascent route to be both easier and more beautiful than the main Marangu trail. The Rongai route begins in attractive farmland and delightful forest, with the possibility of wildlife viewing, and passes through several different climate zones, adding considerably to the interest of the trek. An extra day is added to the standard five day itinerary to ensure maximum acclimatization offering the best possible chance of enjoying the magnificent scenery. This route retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.
Note: Other route options are available, please contact our office for more information.
Brief Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Moshi.
Day 2: First Camp.
Day 3: Kikelewa Caves.
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn.
Day 5: Kibo Camp.
Day 6: Gillman’s Point / Uhuru Peak / Kibo.
Day 7: Moshi.
Day 8: Arusha / Onward.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Moshi.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transfered to the Marangu Hotel, or similar, for your overnight. Attend a briefing for all climbers.
Day 2: First Camp.
After completing the necessary registration formalities at the gate of Marangu National Park, transfer by Landrover to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (6,400 ft) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long cape of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (8,500 ft) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains, (3-4 hours walking). Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 3: Kikelewa Caves.
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the "Second Cave" (11,300 ft) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice-fields on the crater rim. After lunch, leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios near Kikelewa Caves (11,800 ft), (6-7 hours walking). Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn.
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (14,100 ft), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area, as an aid to acclimatization, (3-4 hours walking). Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 5: Kibo Camp.
"Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach the Kibo campsite (15,580 ft) at the bottom of the crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, before a very early night! (4-5 hours walking). Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 6: Gillman’s Point / Uhuru Peak / Kibo.
Begin the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. Proceed very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (18,640 ft) Rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip climb to Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (15,400 ft) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, you will continue the descent to reach the final campsite at Horombo (12,200 ft), (11-15 hours walking). Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 7: Moshi.
A steady descent will take you down through moorland to Mandara Hut (9,000 ft), the first stopping place on the Marangu route. Continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (6,000 ft), (5-6 hours walking). Enjoy a packed lunch on the way down. Overnight at the Marangu Hotel, or similar. Includes: (B, L)
Day 8: Arusha / Onward.
Transfer back to Arusha for lunch. Later, you will be transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home, or extend your stay with either a wildlife safari or visit to Zanzibar Island. A day room can be reserved on request, for an additional cost. Includes: (B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Cost Includes:
- Meals as noted
- Each night in double occupancy accommodations
- Land transfers between components
- English speaking guides
- Park or site entry fees
- Surface transport
- Equipment other than personal gear
- Government tax
- Airport transfer assistance
- In-country ticket reconfirmation & check-in assistance (where permitted)
- Complete pre-departure packet, toll-free pre-departure phone assistance
Cost Excludes:
- Meals not noted as included
- Gratuities
- Beverages (except tea or coffee at meals)
- International or domestic airfare unless specified
- Airport departure taxes not included with air tickets
- Visas
- Itinerary changes after confirmation
- Any services not included in itinerary
- Any costs incurred due to canceled or delayed flights
- Acts of nature or other happenings beyond our control
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Tanzania
Ecotourism
Hiking & Trekking
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