Rongai route on Mount Kilimanjaro is a nine days camping route ; it has the attraction of being a lower traffic an easier route compared to the southern slopes for climbing Kilimanjaro.
It attracts about 10 to 15% of visitors to the mountain. The route is really a complete traverse, the only one to experience the arid northern side and the lush southern side. Its also known as the Loitoktok Route. Starting from the Kenyan side of the mountain in the north, its advantages are more gradual and easier route in terms of terrain, plus there are excellent clear views of the mountain all through the approach. There is also more opportunity to see wildlife such as buffalo, elephants and antelope. This seven days includes a day of acclimatization at Mawezi Tarn and this is an important addition because the flatter terrain means you cant climb high, sleep low; which is a good approach to acclimatization.
Overview
Days Summary
- Day 1: Rongai gate to Simba Camp.
- Day 2: Simba Camp to Kilewa Camp
- Day 3: Kilewa Camp to Mawezi Tarn
- Day 4: Acclimatization Day with hike up and around Mawezi
- Day 5: Mawezi Tarn to Kibo Hut
- Day 6: Kibo Camp to Summit Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut.
- Day 7: Horombo Hut to Mweka gate and back to Moshi town.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
- Elevation: N/A
- Time: N/A
Arrive into Tanzania. Most people fly into Kilimanjaro airport either direct or via Kenya. Overnight in Moshi Town Hotel.
Day 2: Day in Moshi
- Elevation 900m
The day is spent in Moshi, meet the BEYOND ALPINE TREKKERS staffs and have time for hiring equipment’s or relaxing in the hotel. This is a good day to hydrate fully for the start the next day.
Day 3: Rongai Gate.
- Elevation: 2800m
- Time : 3hrs drive-4hrs walking
We depart early in the morning and drive around Kilimanjaro to the North side where the Rongai Gate is, it takes about 3hrs but offer some great views. After registering at the gate and sorting gear for the porters, we then walk through the forest for 4hrs to reach Camp 1 at 2800m. this is a great day for seeing wildlife.
Day 4: Camp 2.
- Elevation: 3600m
- Time : 6hrs
Today we move out on the moorland of Kilimanjaro and have a longish day at 6hrs up to Camp 2 which is near Kikelewa Cave at 3600m.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn.
- Elevation: 4330m
- Time : 5hrs
Today we are on open ground which at times can be steep as we make our way up to Camp at the Mawenzi Tarn (4330).
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn.
- Elevation: 4330m
- Time : Varies.
Today is a rest and acclimatization day at the Tarn. You can relax at Camp or go on some walk around the Tarn. This part of the mountain is beautiful and the views are stunning.
Day 7: Camp near Kibo.
- Elevation: 4730m
- Time : 4hrs
4hrs open ground walking today with amazing view via the Saddle to reach Camp near Kibo Hut at (4730m).
Day 8: Summit.
- Elevation: 5985m-3800m
- Time : 12hrs
Night-time ascent on rock and scree, occasional snow, to the crater rim and the summit. Cold temperature windchill. We summit via Gilman’s Point (5680m), which is 5hrs up scree and a further 2hrs to summit (5985m) and descend to Horombo Hut at (3800m) in (total 12hrs).
Day 9: Marangu Gate.
- Elevation: 1830m
- Time : 4hrs
We then descend to Marangu Gate, along an easy path back into and though the forest for 4hrs. we then transfer by road back to the hotel where a hot shower awaits!
Day 10
Either start one our short Safari, or depart back to your sweet home.
Price
$2650 P/P. Minimum 2Pax
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Quotation price Includes:
- Pick up from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the Airport.
- Three or Two night accommodation in Moshi hotel B&B.
- All government fees (Entry fees, Camping fees , Rescue fees, Crew fees and forest fees).
- Guide and Porter wages.
- Food three meals a day while you’re on the mountain.
- Oxygen bottle
- (Equipment) Tent, table, chair, mattress, mess tent, private toilet etc.
Not included are:
- Personal Gear like sleeping bag, walking stick, cameras etc.
- Tips for the crew.
- Flight ticket
- Visa