Agenda - Rongai Route
7 day Rongai Route – Camping experience
Day 0 – Arrival at JRO Kilimanjaro International – collection from the airport – 1 hour transfer. Overnight at the designated hotel – dinner bed and continental breakfast – sharing twin rooms.
Day 1 – Rongai Gate (1950m) – 1st Caves Camp (2600m)
Breakfast, 8am departure and transfer to start of route. Registration at Marangu park gate and transfer to the Rongai trail-head (3 hour bus drive). Begin hiking from the village of Nale Moru. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, then climbs gently through a forest sheltering a variety of wildlife, including the Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. Our campsite is on the edge of the moorland zone with expansive views of the Kenyan plains. (3 – 4 hour trek).
Day 2 – 1st Caves Camp (2600m) – Kikelewa Caves (3450m)
Challenging ascent to the “Second Cave” where you will relax and have lunch with superb views of Kibo and the ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch proceed towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, where we camp in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves. (7 – 8 hour trek).
Day 3 – Kikelewa Cave (3450m)) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4335m) A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before we reach our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatising. (3 hour trek).
Day 4 – Acclimatisation day at Mawenzi Tarn A short 2 hour acclimatisation walk to 4500m, overlooking the Mawenzi Tarn Camp and a magnificent photographic view of Mt Kilimanjaro
Day 5 – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4335m) – Kibo Hut (4750m)
We cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Campsite. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent. ( 5 – 6 hour trek).
Day 6 – Kibo High Camp (4750m) – SUMMIT (5895m) – descent to Horombo Camp (3720m)
A very early start (midnight) for the final challenge to reach Uhuru Peak (5 895m). Push up further for the short haul up to Uhuru Peak. Remember to take in your day pack energy bars – biltong is also very good, and munch along the way. Hike slowly on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree. Rest for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Continue to Uhuru Peak passing close to spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs in the summit area. Descend to Kibo and a rest then continue down the Marangu Route to Horombo Camp.(14 hour trek).
Day 7 – Horombo Hut (3720m) – Park Gate (1900m)
Descend steadily through the moorland, past Mandara Hut and through a lush rain forest to the Marangu Park Gate where transport will be waiting to drive you back to Moshe. Overnight at the hotel, and time for a well-deserved hot shower, dinner and relaxation. (5 – 6 hour trek).