Kilimanjaro Climbing - Rongai Route
Day 1: To Rongai (first) Cave 1950m to 2600m (6400ft to 8500ft) About 4 hours
From Moshi to Marangu park headquarters. Then we take a long drive along the Tanzanian/Kenyan border until we reach Rongai where we head up the mountain. From the Park gate we follow an old 4wd track through the forest and heather. Lots of Elephant dung is to be found and we might spot one of the 'droppers' ourselves! We sleep at the 1st Cave, no hut.
Day 2: To Kikelewa (Second) Cave 2600m to 3600m (8500ft to 11,800ft) About 6 hours
We leave camp and cross the moorland with good views of Kibo, the Eastern Icefields and Mawenzi. we pass the 2nd Rongai Cave at 3450m where the track splits: straight ahead is possible, we go left (east) towards Mawenzi for better acclimatization. The campsite is in a sheltered valley near the Kikelewa Caves at 3600m.
Day 3: To Mawenzi Tarn 3600m to 4330m (11,800ft to 14,200ft) About 5 hours
Today is not long, but steeper than before (not technical). The campsite is at the "Mawenzi Tarn", situated in directly beneath the rugged rocks of 5149 m high Mawenzi. You can walk around if you like or just rest and acclimatize. Extra days can be spend here for a better chance of summiting or for climbing Mawenzi (technical rock/ice), which is seldom done.
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn
Today is an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn. You can hike in the area or just relax at camp, both will help for the days ahead.
Day 5: To school Camp 4330m to 4750m - About 8 hours
We cross the wide plateau aptly called "the Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo. We arrive at the School camp where the direct track from 1st cave also end up. Today is not a long or hard day, so you can start preparing mentally and physically (resting and eating/drinking a lot) for the summit bid which will start the next morning. Early dinner and bedtime
Day 6 To Summit and Horombo camp Hut 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3720m) - About 11 hours
Early morning, we continue our way via zigzags to the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5,985 meters. You will have to join the crowds from the normal (Marangu or Coca-Cola) route up until Gillman's point (5735), where most of the fast up and down tourists will have had enough.
At Uhuru Peak, we have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Horombo Hut camp site at 3720 meters. This part of the descent takes about 5 hours. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 7: To Marangu & Moshi 3720m to 1800m About 4-5 hours
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Marangu Park Gate. 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 raingear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi. Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration! Hotel in Moshi is included in our trips.
RATE FOR CLIMBING MT. KILIMANJARO ON RONGAI ROUTE: - $1,520
