Kilimanjaro by the Rongai Route

Grade B Fully supported
After the Marangu Route this is the second easiest route to take to ascend Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa with its two main summits, the craggy Mawenzi, 5149m, and the 'flat-topped', glaciated Kibo, 5896m. The Saddle, a 5km wide, high-altitude, semi-desert separates the two. From the summit glaciers, screes, cliffs, afro-alpine moorland then forests lead down to the cultivated foothills. The Rongai route takes you at a gentle pace through these dramatically different zones.

In the past this was the main route used from the Oloitokitok Outward Bound School and nights were spent in caves. The approach to the mountain is from the north and the descent is by the Marangu Route. We will camp along the way until we reach the Marangu Route.

For the ascent to Uhuru Peak from Kibo Hut a very early start is made since the scree is easier to climb when frozen and the views from the crater rim at dawn can be spectacular.

Ski sticks are useful when ascending the scree to the summit.
Accommodation on the mountain is in comfortable huts you will require a sleeping bag but a mat is provided.

This remote and less frequently used route is the second easiest route to Kilimanjaro. The approach to the mountain is from the less-forested north side and the descent is by the Marangu Route. There are several variations, the one described below is a longer route taking in Mawenzi Tarn.

The second day on this variant is quite long and could be broken up into two days walk allowing more time for acclimatization. The ascent to Uhuru Peak is almost the same as for the Marangu Route from the Kibo Hut.

Accommodation on the mountain is in tents (even on descent) which the porters will pitch for you. You will need a sleeping bag, warm clothes and walking poles. This is a steep, tough trek within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas.

05 – 7 Nights/ 8 Days - Rongai Route Trail.

Day – 1 - Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, meet and transfer to Impala Hotel (B&B).

Day – 2 - Drive round Kilimanjaro to the Rongai Gate (3-4h, 2100m.). Walk through the rain forest to Camp 1 (4h, 2800m).

Day – 3 - Walk up through giant heathers and moorlands to Camp 2 - near Kikelewa Cave (6h, 3600m).

Day – 4 - Walk towards the jagged pinnacles of Mawenzi and camp by the Mawenzi Tarn Hut, the last section is fairly steep, (4-5h, 4330m).

Day – 5 - Gain The Saddle and walk across this desert of scree to a camp not far from Kibo hut (3-4h, 4730m).

Day – 6 - Very early start for the summit on steep scree up to Gillman's Point (5h, 5681m) on the crater rim. Continue around the rim to Uhuru Peak (1h30min, 5895m). Descend to our camp for brunch and a rest and then walk down to Horombo Hut. Total walking time about 12h.

Day – 7 - Descend to Marangu gate, 5h. Drive back to Arusha Impala Hotel. Evening you can refresh and relax in your day room. If you're continuing with one of our scheduled departures you'll overnight and begin your wildlife safari the next day. Otherwise you'll continue according to your onward arrangements.

Please note you can add an additional day for acclimatization if you wish.

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