
Gallery
6 Days Rongai Route
The route takes six days minimum to complete, although seven days is recommended. The descent is down Mweka, on the south-east side of the mountain. Because the starting point is far from Moshi, it is more expensive to climb this route due to the added transportation cost of getting climbers to the gate. Scenically, Rongai is beautiful because it travels through an unspoiled rain forest and remote wilderness area. However, it is not as scenically varied as Machame, Lemosho and Shira.
Rongai is ideal for those who are not confident in their ability to hike over steeper paths, those who want to avoid traffic, and those who want to enjoy a quieter hike. It is also preferred when climbing during the rainy season because the north side of the mountain receives less precipitation.
Day 1: Pickup to Airport
You will be picked up from airport. From there you will go to the hotel in Moshi for an orientation on your trek. Your guides will be there to provide you with details on your trek and will also check your trekking gears.
Dinner and overnight at PANAMA GARDEN RESORT or similar hotel in Moshi
PANAMA GARDEN RESORT
Day 2: Moshi - Marangu National Park Gate
After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, we transfer to Rongai. The climb begins from Nale Moru (1,950 m) 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, Rongai One, is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Rongai One
Day 3: Rongai One - Second Cave
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the 'Second Cave' (3,450 m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Kikelewa campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3,600 m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Kikelewa Camp
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp - Mawenzi Tarn Hut
A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb allround views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m), 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 acclimatisation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Mawenzi Tarn Hut
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut - Kibo Hut
We cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700 m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Kibo Hut
Day 6: Kibo Hut - Uhuru Peak
We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (5,685 m) We will 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 (5,896 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach Horombo Camp (3,720 m).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Horombo Hut
Day 7: Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at the lower station of Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi.
At the Gate gate you sign your name and details in a register book. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gilmans Point are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive Golden certificates.
You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed and celebrations!!
Dinner and overnight at PANAMA GARDEN RESORT or similar hotel in Moshi
Panama Garden Resort - Moshi
Includes
Private transport from the hotel to the Park s gate (starting point for the climb), and transport back to the hotel after the climb
All National Park entry fees
All Hut fees
2 night's hotel the night before and the night after the climb, with breakfast included
Supplementary Portable Oxygen and Complete First Aid Kit (used in case of emergency only)
Hot drinks on the mountain and Hot water for washing will be provide everyday on the mountain
Pickup and drop off to Airport
Excludes
International and domestic flights
Items of a personal nature
Tips for guides, porters and cook (average tip is anything from US$300 to US$ 350 per hiker - depending on number of days / how many hikers in the group and route chosen)
Personal Hiking/Trekking gears (Some Gears are available for Rent)
Snacks, personal medicine
Meals, drinks and snacks not specified in hotel