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RONGAI ROUTE
Detailed itinerary and prices available on request
Starting
from the North- east side of the mountain near the Kenyan border, the
Rongai route rises above the Amboseli plains and approached the summit of
Kilimanjaro east of the Mawenzi peaks. It is an unfrequented route and is
also the easiest camping approach to Uhuru Peak.
DAY 1
Rongai Gate (1950m) - 1st
Caves camp (2600m)
Register at the Marangu park
gate with a transfer (approximately 2 ½ hours) to the Rongai trailhead
before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding
path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs
gently. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through
beautiful country. The forest begins to thin out before you reach the
first cave later in the afternoon. The first night's camp is at First
Cave, at about 2,600 metres.
DAY 2
1st Cave (2600m) - Kikelewa
Cave (3600m)
The trail continues up towards
Kibo with magnificent views of the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
We will pass Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and head out across the Kikelwa
moorlands under the jagged and imposing, Mawenzi peaks, reaching Kikelwa
Cave at about 3600 metres. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp with magnificent
Scenio's nearby Kikelewa Caves.
DAY 3
Kikelewa Cave (3600) -
Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m)
A short but steep climb up
grassy slopes offering superb views of this wilderness area. Here, we will
leave the moorland region behind and quickly enter into the lunar alpine
desert stretched out between the imposing peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. We
will camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated in the shadows of Mawenzi.
DAY 4
Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) -
Kibo hut (4700m)
Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between
Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of
the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins
around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp
DAY 5
SUMMIT ATTEMPT
Kibo hut (4700m) - Uhuru
Peak (5895m) - Horombo hut (3720m)
You will rise around 23h30,
and head off into the night. This will be the hardest day on the trail as
you head into the cold night air towards Uhuru peak. The first section of
the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). The
path then zigzags up to Gillman's point (5 681m), which is located on the
crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree,
requiring a great physical and mental effort. From Gillman's Point you
will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m). You
will then begin your 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut and down to Horombo
hut (3 hours) where you will overnight.
DAY 6
Horombo hut (3720m) -
Marangu Gate (1980m)
After breakfast you continue
your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate.
This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates.
Those climbers who reached Gillman's Point (5685m) are issued with green
certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold
certificates.
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