The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Distance: 8km/5miles. Hiking Time: 4-6hours. Eleven: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft. Habitat: Rain Forest. This day we will drive to the village of Nalemoru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp.
Distance: 5km/3miles, Hiking Time: 6-8 hours, Eleven: 9,300 ft to 11,417 ft Habitat: Heath. The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. We will have a hot lunch at Second Cave Camp because is a short hiking day. Do acclimatization at evening time via third camp.
Distance: 5km/3miles, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Eleven: 11,417 ft to 12,700 ft Habitat: Heath After breakfast we will have short hike at gentle slope toward Third Camp. On the way we will have a beautiful view of the mountain Kibo and Mawenzi.
Distance: 8km/5miles, Hiking Time: 5-6 hours, Eleven: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft Habitat: Alpine Desert We leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo After a couple hours trekking, reach this spectacular place, with the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background and our trail to the high camp stretched out before our eyes. Upon reaching our camp the remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation of the final ascent after a very early night!
Distance: 6km/4miles and 16km/10miles Hiking Time: 6-8 hours & 4-5 hours Eleven: 15,430 ft to 19,341 to 12,250 ft. Habitat: Arctic and Heath Today is “The Big Day” - the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 - 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 - 2-hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
Distance: 20km/12miles. Hiking Time: 5-7 hours. Eleven: 12,205 ft to 6,046. Habitat: Rain Forest. The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.
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