Mighty Kilimanjaro Rongai Rt.

Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s the highest free-standing mountain in the world (5,895 metres, 19, 341 ft), also known as “The Roof of Africa”. The vegetation and landscapes are amazing ranging from lush green rain forests to, wide expanse of moorlands, to alpine deserts to glaciers and snow-capped summit. Climbing Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable adventure. “Never measure the height of a mountain until you have reached the top. Then you will see how low it was.” (Dag Hammarskjold)

The Rongai Route is the only trail that starts from the Northern, or Kenyan side of Mt. Kilimanjaro. This route is easier and more scenic than the Marangu or Machame routes, and the success rate is very high. All climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many viewpoints.

Mighty Kilimanjaro Rongai Rt. Itinerary

Fly into JRO airport, met on arrival and transferred to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Depending on the arrival time, you’ll be briefed about the program either today or next morning. (D)
Rongai Start Point (1996m) – Simba camp (2626m) Hiking time: 4 hours | Distance: Approximately 6.7 km | Habitat: Forest (Montane). You will depart the lodge and you will be transferred to the attractive wooden village of Naro Moru (1950 m / 6398 ft). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide 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. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone.
Simba camp (2626m) – Kikelewa Camp (3679m) Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours | Distance: Approximately 11.8 km | Habitat: Moorlands. The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (3450 m / 11,319 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 Scenario near Kikelewa Camp (3600 m / 11,811 ft).
Kikelewa Cave (3679m) – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m) Hiking time: 3 hours | Distance: Approximately 3.7 km | Habitat: Moorlands. A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330 m / 14,206 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. If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.
Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m) – Kibo hut (4730m) Hiking time: 5 hours | Distance: Approximately 9 km | Habitat: Alpine desert. Cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4750 m / 15,584 ft) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remaing day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night!
Kibo hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3705m) Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo | Distance: Approximately 5.4km ascent and 15 km descent | Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit. 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 (5685 m / 18,652 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 to Uhuru Peak (5895 m / 19,341 ft), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4700 m / 15,419) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, continue the descent to reach the final campsite at Horombo (3720 m / 12,205 ft).
Horombo hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m) Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: Approximately 19.7 km | Habitat: Moorland & Montane Forest. After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2700 m / 8858 ft), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. Continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1830 m / 6004 ft). 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 the Babylon Lodge in Marangu. At Babylon Lodge you will have hot water showers and thereafter it will be time to celebrate with your guides and porters. Kilimanjaro beer for those who drink and barbecue will be a good way to celebrate your success of being to the highest point in Africa! The guides will also sing for you and the jovial mood of the evening will make your trip worth remembering!

Activities

Trek to the Mt. Kilimanjaro Summit

What’s Included

Transport from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
All the Kilimanjaro National Park fees.
The hut fees.
All the food that will be used on the mountain.
Fees for our well trained, experienced, charming English-speaking guides.
Honest and hardworking porters.
All the cooking utensils and other equipment used on the mountain.
Transport from Kilimanjaro National Park gate to Kilimanjaro any hotel.
Transfer to Tarakea/Loitoktok , Kilimanjaro International Airport or Moshi or Arusha.

Things to Carry

Duffel bag or backpack that the porters can carry is limited to 15 kg (35 pounds).
Store electronics & clothing in sealed water-proof bags.
Fleece or sweater and a warm jacket for game drives or if you are going to the western or eastern mountainous areas
Clothing: inner layer to be wicking (no cotton), next layer insulating & warm and top layer water proof but breathable.
Clothing: Shorts, Khakis, t-shirts, long underwear, fleece jacket, wool sweater, fleece pants, down jacket, rain jacket & pants.
Clothing: Sport bras (women), Mittens and gloves, Wool or pile hat, balaclava, hand & foot warmer.
Shoes: Trekking shoes for hiking day, warm, waterproof, and with ankle-support. Tennis shoes for evening.
Sleeping bag (Rated -25 degrees C/-10 degrees F or colder is recommended),
Sunscreen, a sun hat, a breathable lightweight rain poncho or parka with a rain hat.
Water bottles and Camelback (2-3). Get 3 liters of water before the trip. En-route, guides will boil water for you.
Water filter or iodine purification tablets.
First Aid Kit: including anti-diarrhea medicine, re-hydration sachets, aspirin, cold medication, antiseptic cream, band-aids, mo
Notebook, journal, pencil, pen, pocket knife, electricity adapter, energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods.
Playing cards, games, books, kite for recreational activities.