MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBING RONGAI - ROUTE FOR 7days / 6 nights.

Kilimanjaro-Rongai Route The Rongai route is much drier than the southern routes. Elephants and colubus monkeys can be found on the way. As the ascent continues, climbers
can enjoy spectacular views over the immense Masai plains of Kenya.

he Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.. Experienced guides consider the Rongai route to be both easier and more scenic than the Marangu Trail. Summit attempts begin in the pre-dawn hours, with climbers usually reaching Gillman's Point at sunrise. For those who feel strong enough, an approximately three hour round trip hike will take you from Gillman's Point to Uhuru Peak.

DAY 1:
NairobiI - Moshi
Boards shuttle bus from Nairobi at 0800 hrs and proceedto Namanga Border for formalities then to Arusha arriving at 1300hrs. Depart for Moshi at 1400hrs arriving at 1530hrs. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Moshi or (Pick up from Kilimanajaro airport and transfer to hotel in Moshi)

DAY 2
Rongai Gate (1950m) - 1st Caves camp (2600m)
Hiking time: 5 hours Distance: About 8 km's
Habitat: Montane forest
Register at the Marangu park gate with a transfer (approximately 2 ½ hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your guide and porters 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 through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through beautiful country. The first night's camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 metres. There is a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just down the trail below First Cave.

DAY 3
1st Cave (2600m) - Kikelewa Cave (3600m)
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Moorlands
The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you're on a really big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find some. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves).

DAY 4
Kikelewa Cave (3600) - Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m)
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorlands
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.

DAY 5
Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) - Kibo hut (4700m)
Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
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 6
SUMMIT ATTEMPT Kibo hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru - 6 hours to descend to Horombo Distance: 6 km's ascent - 21 km's descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. 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. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillman's Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction - you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

DAY 7
Horombo hut (3720m) - Marangu Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: 6 hours Distance: About 27 km's
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. Click here for more info on <tips.htm>. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. 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. You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight in Springlands hotel or Similar

DAY 8.
Moshi - Nairobi
Board shuttle bus to Nairobi or start a Tazania safari.

Rate 1,390 USD Per Person - 2008 Rates

Any additional day is US$ 105

The price is inclusive of:-
2 transfers Nairobi-moshi-Nairobi
2 transfers from Moshi to Rongai park gate -return
3 meals per day while trekking - Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian
5 days Kilimanjaro trek- Rongai
4 nights accomodation in camps while trekking Rongai
First and Last night accommodation at YMCA/Buffalo hotelMoshi -Bed and Breakfast.
All park entrance fees and government levies
English speaking mountain Guide and assistant guides
Porters- a maximum of 2 per client

The Price does not include:
Gloves, Sun glasses, Sleeping bag, Hats , Rain suits, Warm Jacket,
Heavy boots, Scarf's, Rain Trousers, tents

Note: All the above items can be hired at a reasonable price