Rongai Route is one of the best routes to trek on Kilimanjaro, as it is one of the longest routes on the mountain and is therefore one of the most gradual. Starting in rain forest near the border with Kenya there are views of Kibo and dramatic Mawenzi as the route comes out and climbs through alpine heather and moorland. Stopping at caves and experiencing the unique environment of Kilimanjaro this route is one of the most scenic, with views looking into Kenya and the famous Amboseli National Park, as well as the peaks above. Taking a rest day at Mawenzi tarn helps acclimatise and it is great to be so close to the rocky ridges and spires of Mawenzi. Leaving the tarn the route then crosses the Saddle, a harsh expanse of alpine desert separating Kibo from Mawenzi that is seemingly lifeless, and dominated by Kibo, now close by. Reaching the edge of the Saddle, camp is at Kibo Hut. The summit is now above and an early start of around 2 am is made to reach the crater rim and the top, Uhuru Peak, for sunrise. Kilimanjaro is one of the world's highest free-standing mountains (not part of a range) so there are 360 degree views of the African plains roughly 4000 metres below from the summit, as well as Mt Meru and Mt Kenya (50 km away and over 250km away respectively!) making it a truly unique experience. Descent is by way of the Marangu route, which goes past the other side of Mawenzi and down into moorland and forest on its way to the Marangu gate. The Rongai route is one of the quietest, most enjoyable and diverse of all the routes on Kilimanjaro making it an ideal choice of ascent.
Why not extend your trip and enjoy East
Africa for a little longer either by combining any of our trips, or
by adding a safari or beach extension detailed on our Trip Extensions page.
| Itinerary |
9 day trip, with 7 days
on the mountain (see
Altitude and
Acclimatisation) |
|
Day
1: Fly from UK to Kilimanjaro airport,
arrive mid-evening, drive to Moshi hotel
Day
2:
Drive
to the Kilimanjaro NP, Rongai Gate, trek for 5hrs to tonight's
camp
Day
3:
6-8
hr trek on the northeastern slopes of Kili, camp at Kikelewa
Caves
Day
4:
Trek for 5-6 hrs to the foot of dramatic Mawenzi, & camp
at Mawenzi Tarn
Day
5:
Acclimatisation walk on Mawenzi, afternoon at rest, camp at
Mawenzi Tarn
Day
6:
4-6 hr trek across the Saddle to Kibo Hut 'base camp', &
an early night
Day
7:
Leave camp around 1am to reach Uhuru Peak (5895m) around 8-9
am, back
to Kibo Hut, down Marangu Route to Horombo Huts camp: a
14-17 hr day
Day
8:
5-6 hr trek to Marangu park gate, drive to Moshi hotel,
evening flight home Day
9:
Mid-morning
arrival back in the UK |
|
Saturday 17 January
- Sunday 25 January 2009 |
Trip Ref - KR170109 |
|
Saturday 28 February
- Sunday 8 March 2009 |
Trip Ref - KR280209 |
|
Friday
22 May
- Saturday 30 May 2009 |
Trip Ref - KR220509 |
|
Friday 19 June - Saturday 27 June 2009 |
Trip Ref - KR190609 |
|
Friday 17 July -
Saturday 25 July 2009 |
Trip Ref - KR170709 |
| Friday 21 August -
Saturday 29 August 2009
|
Trip Ref - KR210809 |
|
Saturday
12 September
- Sunday 20 September 2009 |
Trip Ref - KR120909 |
|
Friday 2 October -
Saturday 10 October
2009
Full Moon
|
Trip Ref - KR021009 |
|
Sunday 1 November - Monday 9 November 2009 |
Trip Ref - KR011109 |
If you want to
travel on a different date, and/or with your own group of
family or friends, just go to Make my own adventure to create your own adventure trip.
General
Information | How to
Book | Group
Size | Trip
Extensions
|
 |
|
