April 21, 2017
MOUNTAIN KILIMANJARO CLIMBING -RONGAI ROUTE 9 DAYS
Written By ECO AFRICA
The Rongai Route is the only route to ascend up the North side of the mountain, originating close to the Kenyan border. It is one of the less frequently used routes, mostly attributed to the long drive required toreach the gate on day one. This has its advantages though, as it is less crowded and therefore a quieter way to ascend the mountain. It is also the only route to afford you such a close view of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s second highest peak, as you sleep under it on night three.This route meets up with the Marangu route upon descent, allowing climbers a different view of the mountain on the way down. Although Rongai climbers do not experience the rainforest on day one, they are given the chance on the final day of the trek before reaching the gate where the climb concludes.
DAY 1: Arrive in Tanzania
Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), there will be a pick up private transfer waiting to hotel in Moshi. All airport transfers are the part of the package, no extra fee is required.We will gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
DAY 2: Moshi – Rongai Cave
Wake early and drive about one hour to the Marangu Gate where you will register. Thereafter drive approximately 2.5 hours to the Rongai Gate (1950 m) where you will meet your porters before beginning the trek from the Nale Moru Village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before climbing gradually through a pine forest. Spend the night at Rongai Cave (2600 m). Trekking Time: 3-4 hours ⎟Distance: 7 km⎟Altitude Gain: 650 m
DAY 3: Rongai Cave – Kikelewa Cave
The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave en-route, and reaching Kikelewa Cave at 3600 meters. From here the views start to open up affording expansive views of the summit. Spend the nightat Kikelewa Cave. Trekking Time: 6-7 hours ⎟Distance: 9 km⎟Altitude Gain: 1000 m
DAY 4: Kikelewa Cave – Mawenzi Tarn
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness. You will leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330 m), spectacularly situated directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. Trekking Time: 4-5 hours ⎟Distance: 7 km⎟Altitude Gain: 730
DAY 5: Mawenzi Tarn
Spend the day at Mawenzi Tarn to acclimatize. You will be able to trek and explore the area in addition to resting to ensure readiness to continue the trek the following day.
DAY 6: Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo
Cross the lunar-like desert of the ‘Saddle’ between the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks to reach Kibo campsite (4750 m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Spend the evening resting for the final ascent to thesummit. Trekking Time: 5-6 hours ⎟Distance: 8 km⎟Altitude Gain: 420 m
DAY 7: Kibo – Uhuru Peak – Horombo
Wake around midnight to begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave. You will then take on switchbacks up to Gillman’s Point at 5681 m, situated on the crater rim. This section is very steep with much stone scree and is the most demanding section of the route. From Gillman’s Point, hike for another two hours up to Uhuru Peak (5895 m), the highest point in Africa. You made it! Enjoy a short time on the Roof of Africa before beginning the descent. Trekking Time: 6-8 hours ⎟Distance: 9 km⎟Altitude Gain: 1145 m Descend via the Marangu Route, passing through Kibo Hut and then onto Horombo (3720 m), where you will spend your last night on the mountain. Enjoy your final mountain dinner and a well-earned night’s sleep.Trekking Time: 5-6 hours ⎟Distance: 12 km ⎟Altitude Loss: 2175 m
DAY 8: Horombo Hut – Moshi
After breakfast, continue your descent, passing Mandara Hut down to the Marangu Gate (1842 m) where you will receive your summit certificates courtesy of the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority. You will be met by a vehicle for the transfer back to your hotel in Moshi town. Trekking Time: 5-7 hours ⎟Distance: 18 km⎟Altitude Loss: 1878 m back to Moshi where you can treat yourself to a well-earned shower and a cold beer or two. Trekking Time: 4-5 hours ⎟Distance: 10 km⎟Altitude Loss: 1360 m
DAY 9: Departure day in Tanzania
We will transfer you from the hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) where you will fly back home.If you will have more time you can extend your tour to wildlife safari in northern circuit to Serengeti , Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara and Zanzibar, but additional cost will be required.
Our standard package includes the following:
· 2 transfers to and from the Kilimanjaro airport.
· Tanzania VAT on tourism activities and park fees.
· Adequate and appropriate number of guides, porters, and cooks for your group.
·Government taxes.
·All park fees, camping fees, rescue fees and team fees.
·Transfers to and from the route gate(s) (2 transfers).
·Sleeping mattress pad(s), dining tent(s), sleeping tent(s), and crew’s equipment– Dining tent and sleeping tent not applicable on the Marangu route as all meals are served at the camps in designated dining halls.
·2 nights in a hotel in Moshi on a Bed & Breakfast basis (1 before trekking & 1 after trekking).
·3 full fresh meals daily. We provide fresh food on the mountain in plentiful and well prepared by skilled professional cooker (we also consider your choice of food that you would prefer -Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian). Menu especially designed for climbers.
·Hot drinks on the mountain and Hot water for washing will be provided everyday on the mountain.
·3-4 liters of mineral (per Climber) provided daily during the climb.
·Portable toilet for the trek.
·Emergency evacuation cover with AMREF Flying Doctors.
·Hotel accommodation includes storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes.
· Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team).
· Chief guide carries a Pulse Oximeter, used to take blood-oxygen level readings of clients twice a day.
· Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid)
· Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only).
· Salaries for mountain support crew, as per required KINAPA.
· Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain.
· Porter to carry your duffel bag, with maximum weight of 15kg / 32 lbs, from one camp to the next camp.
· Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.
Excluded from Standard Package rates:
· Flights and airport taxes.
· Items of a personal nature.
· Compulsory tips for guides, porters and cook (average tip is anything from US$250 to US$ 350 per hiker – depending on the number of days and number of hikers in the group, as well as the route chosen).
· Entry visa for Tanzania (US$50 per passport holder for most nationalities / US $ 100 per visa for USA passport holders) .
· Health requirements (Yellow Fever – only compulsory if you travel to Tanzania via a Yellow Fever infected country, Meningitis & Hepatitis A remains optional, but comes recommended).
· Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
· Personal hiking/trekking gear – you could rent some of the gear in Tanzania.
· Snacks, personal medicine and water purifying tablets.
· Meals and drinks not specified.
. Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain http://www.kiliporters.org/tipping_recommendations.php
THE PRICE FOR THIS IS $2695
WE OFFER THE DISCOUNT OF $150
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