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Rongai Overview
Rongai route ascends Mount Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. The rongai route retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness.
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. Rongai route is truly one of the more remote and wild trails on the entire mountain. Despite that however, this route offers trekkers plenty of advantages, making it a very appealing option for those looking for a unique experience on Africa’s tallest peak.
Due to its remote nature, the Rongai Route is among the least visited of all of the trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. Those who choose this path will experience peace and quiet for much of the trek, encountering few other climbers prior to reaching the Kibo Camp, at which point the trail merges with the Marangu Route for the final push to the summit.
Before that happens however, travelers will often have the path completely to themselves for hours or even days at a time, making this a good choice for those looking for solitude in a unique wilderness setting.
Rongai Route Detailed Itinerary
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Meet at airport transfer to Hotel overnight on HB. Dinner Bed and breakfast included.
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Rongai Start Point (1996m) – Simba camp (2626m) Breakfast at the Hotel. Speak to the reception staff at the lodge to store your excess luggage. At 8:00m meet your guide at the Hotel reception. You are advised however to leave your valuables including your passport in the hotel safe, except for the amount in US Dollars that you will be budgeting to tip your support staff.
Depart to Marangu park gate for registration. From Marangu park gate we travel to north east Kilimanjaro, a further 68km and approximately 2 hours on roads to the Nalemoru Rongai start point (1996m). Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the NaleMoru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through a beautiful country side. The first night’s camp is at Simba Camp (2 626m). The camp facilities include a public toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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Simba camp (2626m) – Kikelewa Camp (3679m) We hike from Simba camp up towards Kibo till 3 482m for lunch at First Caves, a distance of 5.8km. After lunch we continue trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3679 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water can be found in a obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelewa camp.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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Kikelewa Cave (3679m) – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m) A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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Mawenzi Tarn Camp Day four is an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn. We advise hiking a bit higher this day before returning to Mawenzi Tarn in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m) – Kibo hut (4730m) After breakfast we head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo hut. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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Kibo hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3705m) You will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot.
The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it
Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest at Kibo hot, you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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Horombo hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m) After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery.It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely.
At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates.
Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi Hotel for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed and breakfast following morning.
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After breakfast transfer to airport or Start Safari to National Parks
| PACKAGES | 1 Person | 2 Person | 3 Person | 4 Person | 5 Person | 6 Person | 7 Person | 8 Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRICES | 3,600$ | 3,540$ | 3,500$ | 3,450$ | 3,400$ | 3,350$ | 3,300$ | 3,250$ | |
| EXTRA DAY WITH VAT INCLUDED | 256$ | 256$ | 256$ | 256$ | 256$ | 256$ | 256$ | 256$ |
Typical tips for mountain crew tend to average some US$ 280 – US$ 300 per each client. All climbers’ contributions are usually added together and the total amount is presented to the chief guide at Mweka Gate. Our guides always divide these tips fairly amongst their crew according to a customary scale that is determined by the responsibilities and experience of each staff member
The rates for Kilimanjaro climb include:
Ground transfers with pick up and drop of at Kilimanjaro airport and the base hotel in MOSHI
Park entrance fees, Camping/Hut fees Rescue fees, Emergency Oxygen at not extra charge Medical / First aid Kit.
Fingertip Pulse Oximeter, to measure clients oxygen saturation and pulse rate.
24 Hours standby radio Communication
3LTRS Mineral water on the first day per client
Hot meals (except first day) served in the mess tent.
4 season sleeping tents
2 inches Foam mattress 1 per client
Professional Mountain Guide, Park Fees and Salaries
Comprehensive climb briefing a night prior to climb.
Porters, salaries and food
First and last night accommodation at Hotel.
Availability of High Pressurized Air ambulance helicopter for evacuation at the time of emergency ( Client Have to have insurance for 6000m)
FIRST DAY TRANSFER BY 4X4 SAFARI LAND CRUISER TO THE STARTING GATE
FOREST FEES FOR CLIENTS AND CREW
Hot water bottle in sleeping bags at night to keep clients warm.
Summit Porter to carry clients daypack.
High quality meals, all meals are served in mess tent and hot meal always.
The do not include:
Personal gears/climbing equipment, sleeping bags, drinks, tipping and all other expenses of personal nature.