Rongai Route

Climb Mt Kilimanjaro by the Drier Gentle Camping Route

The full 7 day (6 nights camping) program is detailed below. For a 6 day program remove Day 4, which is the optional acclimatisation day.  MK Safaris always recommends that you include as much time to acclimatise as possible. This not only reduces the risks of AMS but it also increases your chances of reaching the summit, and enjoying your Kilimanjaro experience.

RONGAI ROUTE DETAILS

*Day 4 is an acclimatization day. Most people will walk up to Kibo Hut and return to Mawenzi Tarn in the afternoon (walk high sleep low effect).  The guides may suggest an easier day to those showing signs of AMS.  
**The second part of Day 6 indicates the descent from the summit of Uhuru Peak^
 

Kilimanjaro International Airport is the recommended point of arrival for international flights. But MK can arrange all types of transfers from anywhere within in East Africa, including Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
 

Day 0 : On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the night (a range of hotels are available dependent on your budget). In the evening you will meet your guide and have a Mountain Briefing to prepare you for the climb. You will also be able to hire equipment if required. Dinner at the hotel followed by an early night.
If your international flight arrives late in the evening then 2 nights in Moshi or nearby are recommended, to allow for one full day of preparation. This also allows you to get over any possible jet-lag and be fully revitalised after a long flight.

Day 1 : BEGIN ASCENT OF KILIMANJARO VIA RONGAI ROUTE
Depart your hotel early and transfer the village of Nale Moru (1950 m) through local 'Shamba' farmland before entering the pine forest. Watch  out for Highland Black & White Colobus monkeys (Colobus abyssinicus) in the tree tops. After walking for about 4 hours you will arrive at the first camp on the edge of the moorland zone, with incerdible views over the plains in southern Kenya extending below.  This is First Cave campsite at 2600 m. Dinner and overnight at 1st Cave Camp.


Day 2 : The morning walk climbs up to Second Cave at 3450m. This has    superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim.  The trail continues across the moorland towards the knife-edged peaks of Mawenzi.  The campsite is in a sheltered valley dotted with Giant Senecios (Senecio johnstonii) near Kikelewa Caves.


Day 3 :  This is an easier day compared to the previous.  Begin with a relatively short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by amazing views. From this point upwards the vegetation becomes increasingly sparse. In the early afternoon you reach Mawenzi Tarn (4315 m.), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation.

Day 4 : This is an acclimatization day.  Your guide will suggest on  the most appropriate activity according to your levels of adjustment to the altitude.  Hiking up to Kibo and then returning again is an option.  Sometimes a more gentle approach is suggested.  Camp  for a second night at the stunning Mawanzi Tarn campsite.

Day 5 :  A steep ascent on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The 'lunar' scenery is eerie and breathtaking.  It takes 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut at 4700 m. The remainder of the day is spent resting to prepare for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Early dinner and rest at Kibo Camp. AT about 11pm an small hot meal will be served, prior to the final ascent.

Day 6 : A very early start for the summit climbing steep scree to arrive at Gilman's Point (5681m) to see sunrise. Those who want to reach the highest point in Africa can take the approximately two hour excursion to Uhuru Peak 5896 m passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs of the summit area. The descent to Kibo is fast and after some refreshment, you continue your descent to the final campsite at Horombo at 3700m.


Day 7 : A steady descent through the moorland to Mandara Hut continuing through the lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1843 m) taking about 6 hours. After collecting your certificates, you will to be met and transferred to your hotel  for dinner and overnight stay.



 

Standard inclusions/exclusions

Included in this price:
All fees payable to TANAPA, KINAPA and local village authorities
All crew – driver guides, hiking guides, cooks and porters.
All camping equipment (excluding your sleeping bag)
3 meals a day served on the mountains and safaris, drinking water and tea/coffee
Transfers to and from the mountains
Climb Briefing prior to the Kilimanjaro hike
Rescue Fee (meru and kili)
Hotels, Outpost and Bristol Bed & Breakfast basis only.
Airport transfers.

Not included:
Personal clothing and equipment.
Sodas/Alcoholic drinks (where available)
Tips/gratuities
Visas/Travel Insurance and International flights.
Hotels in Moshi/Arusha
Airport transfers.
Additional personal purchases.

OXYGEN – MK will soon own tanks and will supply small oxygen cylinders for emergency use only, on every hike. Currently this is an optional extra and the fee (per tank) is $350 in total (for a group for a whole hike, including a porter to carry it)


For further information please Contact Us and we will personally tailor your Kilimanjaro climb to suit your interests and budget.