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RONGAI ROUTE 7 DAYS

Kilimanjaro Destinations leads treks up the unique Rongai Route known to be more scenic than the Marangu Route, easier than the Machame Route. Unlike the Marangu Route where you sleep in huts, on the Rongai you sleep in tents (tents are included), and the porters will pitch your tent for you. Meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. The Rongai starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least traveled routes. The Rongai joins the Marangu for the summit climb, then you descend the Marangu Route on the mountain's southeast side, so you see Kilimanjaro from many view points.

ITINERARY

Arrival in Tanzania – drive to Moshi.

You will be met on time of your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport by our transferring driver who will you will welcome and escort you to the waiting vehicle then drive to The Hotel in Moshi for the rest of the day your trek will start the next day morning. The rest of the day will be spent at the pool relaxing at the hotel or explore the town of Moshi. Your mountain guide will meet you in the evening for briefing on the next morning trek.

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Day 1
Your day starts early with breakfast and a briefing. Transfer by Land Rover through many villages and coffee plantations for 4-5 hours to the attractive wooden village of Nale Muru (1,950 m/6,398 ft). After signing in and preparing the porters, you begin the hike on a wide path winding through fields of maize and potatoes, then enter a pine forest. You then start to climb gently but consistently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin and Simba Camp (2,600 m/8,530 ft) is near the “First Cave” at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

 Accommodation: Simba camp.

Meal Plan: Full Board. 7  Days Rongai route.

Day 2
You make a steady ascent to the Second Cave where you have lunch. You leave the direct trail at the Second Cave and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path toward Mawenzi’s jagged peaks. After another 10 km, you reach the Kikelewa Camp in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby. The Kikelewa Cave is also nearby.

 Accommodation: Kikelelwa camp.

Meal Plan: Full Board. 7 Days Rongai route.

Day 3
You do a short, steep climb up grassy slopes rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Shortly after you leave the vegetation behind, you reach the Mawenzi Tarn, which is situated in a spectacular cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. After this short hike, you can spend the afternoon exploring this exciting area.

 Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Hut.

Meal Plan: Full Board. 7 Days Rongai route.

Day 4
Your extra day on the mountain, and you will spend two nights at Mawenzi Tarn. You can hike up to Mawenzi for a splendid acclimatization hike. 

Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Hut.

Meal Plan: Full Board. 7 Days Rongai route.

Day 5
You cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach the Kibo Huts at the bottom of Kibo’s crater wall. You should spend the remainder of the day resting and preparing for your summit climb.

 Accommodation: Kibo Hut.

Meal Plan: Full Board. 7 Days Rongai route.

Day 6
Wake at midnight to a light breakfast, then prepare for your summit ascent. The goal is to climb before dawn so that you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly after sunrise. Leave at 1 AM, switchback up steep scree or possibly snow, and reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m/18,640 ft between 5 and 7 AM. Here, views of the fabled crater and its icecaps greet you. Another 2 hours of hiking along the crater rim near the celebrated snows take you to Kilimanjaro’s true summit, Uhuru Peak, by 9 AM. This is Africa’s highest point, and you would have to travel more than 3,000 miles toward the Himalayas to find a higher peak! Be sure to have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends. After your summit stays, descend back to the Kibo Huts, have lunch, rest, collect your things, and recross the saddle to the Horombo Huts. Eat dinner and get some well-deserved sleep! 

You do the beginning of this climb in the dark with 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. Slowly slowly, or, “pole pole,” and an optimistic attitude will get you there! 

Accommodation: Horombo Huts.

Meal Plan: Full Board. 7 Days Rongai route.



Day 7
Wake, as usual, pack, and descend through the moorland to the Mandara Huts. Have lunch there then continue your triumphant recessional down through the lush forest to the park gate, which you should reach around 2 or 3 PM. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. 
A vehicle will take you back to the hotel or similar hotel in Moshi, where it is definitely time for a celebration!
Depart for the airport or other destinations in Tanzania or Kenya. A trip to the beaches at Zanzibar is a good way to recuperate. We can arrange many reasonably priced trips and safaris around Moshi and the Kilimanjaro region Accommodation: Hotel.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Snacks. 7 Days Rongai route.

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WHAT IS INCLUDED

  • Two nights accommodation at the Hotel in Moshi double (before and after the climb)

  • First night includes breakfast Last night includes dinner & breakfast

  • Qualified guides with mountain crew

  • National park fees

  • Hut/camping fees and tents

  • Tents foam sleeping pads, Cooking equipment, and ( Cutlery / Crockery) eating utensils.

  • Rescue fees (required by the National Park)

  • Pulse oximeters 

  • Emergency Oxygen

  • First aid kit

  • Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries

  • Boiled water on the mountain

  • Airport transfers (JRO - Kilimanjaro International Airports)

  • All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

  • Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain.

 

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

  • Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips

  • Meals and drinks not specified

  • Mountain equipment (eg sleeping bags)

  • Gear for your climb, Some equipment is available for rent. 

  • Car Supplement USD$145 per car for clients who go through Lemosho/Rongai/Shira Routes

  • Items of personal nature ( expenses)

  • Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included

  •  Extra activities (waterfall tour, cultural village visit).

  • Visa fees & travel insurance.

  • Flight tickets

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