6 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE ITINERARY
6 Days | Max People : 26 | Jan 01 - Dec 31 |
Min Age : 10+ | Pickup : Airport | Langauge - English and Others |
- DESCRIPTION
- ITINERARY
- INCLUSIONS
- ENQUIRE NOW
DESCRIPTION
6 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE ITINERARY
The Rongai route on Mount Kilimanjaro is seven days and camping only, this route is regarded as a lower traffic and easier route compared to those on the southern slopes. It's advantages are a more gradual ascent in terms of terrain which allows for excellent acclimatisation plus we include an additional days acclimatisation so you can enjoy the stunning scenery from Mawenzi camp. The days are shorter and less demanding on the Rongai route.
It takes five days ascending through the forest, onto the heathland and to the summit coming from the NNE side of the mountain and after summiting there are two days of descent and exit through Mweka Gate on day seven. The trip is a great opportunity to see diverse vegetation and wide-eyed views especially from higher camps.
The Rongai Route is a camping trip for an average group size of 8 (we can take up to a maximum of 25 people but this is usually only for organised private groups; most team sizes are 6 - 8 people) using top quality mountain tents, comfortable mattresses, and qualified guides who work with us full time, porters who carry the bags and equipment, and cooks who provide fresh, tasty food every day. The ratio of guide:climber is 1:4.
Adventure Alternative has been running treks / climbs of Kilimanjaro for over two decades, and with our own company in Tanzania, we have a reputation for integrity and safe, successful trips. We run climbs of Kilimanjaro every month and our summit success rate is 95%.
Our staff are professional, qualified and experienced. We look after them excellently and in turn they look after you excellently! Our prices are land based and all inclusive including all park fees - there are no hidden kitties or fees. We do not charge additional fees by season and the price you see is the price you pay. We are a professional and ethical mountaineering company and can ensure you a wonderful and enjoyable climb of Mt Kilimanjaro.
ITINERARY
Day 0 : Pickup to Airport
You will be picked up from airport. From there you will go to the hotel in Moshi for an orientation on your trek. Your guides will be there to provide you with details on your trek and will also check your trekking gears.
DAY 1: NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP: 7km /5mi | 3-4 hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ftAltitude gained: 638m
Departing from Moshi a 4-5 hour drive will take you through the coffee plantations and Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery, and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife you are likely to see. Simba camp sits near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone with spectacular views of the plains of Kenya.
DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP: 5.8km/3.6mi | 5-6hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ftAltitude gained: 852m
After a good night sleep and a hearty breakfast we continue along moorland terrain on a consistent ascending path. You will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.
DAY 3: SECOND CAVE CAMP – THIRD CAVE CAMP: 3.3km/2mi | 3-4hrs | Semi Desert
Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3936m/12,913ftAltitude gained: 449m
After breakfast and packing, you continue your stead ascent, entering into the semi-desert terrain. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Easter ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness.
DAY 4: THIRD CAVE CAMP- KIBO HUTS: 6.7km/4.2mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 5174m/16975ftAltitude gained: 1238m
As you depart early the semi-desert zone from the Third Cave early in the morning and begin your trek into the Alpine Desert terrain for the remainder of your ascent. Today's hike will take you just below the Kibo crater wall to the Kibo Huts. At this point, you will merge with the Marangu Route, which you will use to hike to the summit. You will prepare your clothing and equipment (replace batteries for headlamp and camera) before you go to bed by 7 PM and try to catch a few hours of rest before your summit attempt.
DAY 5: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4km /2.5 mi up | 5-7hrs | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75km /9.8mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 5174m/16975ft to 5895m/19,341ftAltitude gained: 721m
Descent to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude lost: 2174m
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused of the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Horombo Hut, stopping at Kibo Hut for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Horombo Hut.
DAY 6: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 20km/12.5mi |6-7hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ftAltitude lost: 1816m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew it's time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
INCLUSIONS
INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGES
Private transport from the hotel to the Park s gate (starting point for the climb), and transport back to the hotel after the climbAll National Park entry fees
All camping fees
2 night's hotel the night before and the night after the climb, with breakfast included
Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
Qualified medical guides
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
Salaries for Guides, cook and porters.
Rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Park rescue team fees)
Government taxes
Pickup and drop off to Airport
Evacuation services
Hut fees [ Marangu route }
Friendly and competent Trained Mountain Guides, assistant guides, porters and professional cooks.
 3 full fresh meals daily. We provide fresh food on the mountain in plentiful and well prepared by skilled professional cooks(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 provide everyday on the mountain.
Quality specious tents, sleeping mats, camping tables ,camping chairs and Mess/Dining Tent.(Not applicable on the Marangu route as accommodation is in A-frame huts)
Supplementary Portable Oxygen and Complete First Aid Kit (used in case of emergency only)
Pulse oxy-meter carried by all chief guides
3-4 liters of mineral/treated water (per Climber) provided daily during the climb
***Portable toilet available at an additional cost (There are public toilets on the mountain)
NOT INCLUDED IN OUR PACKAGES PRICES
Items of a personal natureTips for guides, porters and cook (average tip is anything from US$250 to US$ 350 per hiker - depending on number of days / how many hikers in the group and route chosen)
Personal Hiking/Trekking gears (Some Gears are available for Rent)
Snacks, personal medicine
Meals, drinks and snacks not specified in hotel