RONGAI 7 DAYS
WHY THIS ITINERARY?
A 7 day ascent that is relatively gradual. The numbers of hikers on this route tends to be less than Machame or Marangu routes and the chance of seeing wildlife higher. Comes highly recommended but note that the drive to the starting point takes a long time and the descent is via the Marangu route (i.e. busy).
DESCRIPTION
A 7 day ascent of Kilimanjaro starting on the Eastern side of Kilimanjaro. This side of the mountain is relatively dry and has a relatively short forest zone. It skirts the base of Mwenzi and then ascends via Gilman's point to Uhuru Peak. There is an acclimatisation day at Mawenzi Tarn. The descent is via the Marangu route trail.
HIGHLIGHTS
Kilimanjaro: views over the Mawenzi and Kibo saddle, close views of Mawenzi, the Kibo crater and ash pit and glaciers on the roof of Africa.
DAY 1 KILIMANJARO - RONGAI
In the morning you drive around Kilimanjaro to the Eastern side to Nale Moru to register at the gate. Hiking is through farm and pine plantations and then through Afro montane forest.
Overnight Simba Camp(Alt 2,600m,8,530ft.
DAY 2 KILIMANJARO - CAVES
Ascent to Second Cave (3,450m,11,316ft) with views of the Eastern ice fields. After lunch leave main trail and head towards Mawenzi. Kikelewa caves campsite is in sheltered valley.
Overnight Kikelewa Caves Camp(Alt 3,600m,11,811m.
DAY 3 KILIMANJARO - MAWENZI
Hike up close to Mawenzi tarn (4,330m,14,206 ft) located in a cirque beneath Mawenzi. In the afternoon you head out for an acclimatization walk with your guide.
Overnight Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
DAY 4 KILIMANJARO - MAWENZI
Today is an acclimatization and rest day. Your guide takes you on a hike which normally lasts for around 4 hours.
Overnight Mawenzi Tarn Hut(Alt 4,330m,14,206ft.
DAY 5 KILIMANJARO - KIBO
Today you cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo in the alpine desert zone. The camp is situated at 4,700m,15,420ft. In the afternoon it is time to prepare for the night ascent and then an early dinner and to bed for a few hours.
Overnight Kibo Camp.
DAY 6 KILIMANJARO - HOROMBO
An early start is required to arrive in time for a dawn on the roof of Africa! You ascend Kibo volcano via Gilman's point (5,685m,19,341ft) which takes around 6 to 7 hours. It is then a further 11/2 to 2 hours to the summit and then descent to Kibo for refreshment and refuel and then continue down to Horomob camp(Alt 3,706,12,159ft).
Overnight Horombo Camp.
DAY 7 KILIMANJARO -ARUSHA
The final section descends to Marangu hut via Mandara hut(Alt 2,745m,9,006ft) to Marangu gate(Alt1,970m,6,463ft) where you are picked up and transfer back to your hotel for a well deserved shower!