The Rongai Route is one of the easiest routes, and the success rate is very high. The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border and is one of the least traveled routes. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers will be able to see the mountain from many viewpoints.
The drive to the trailhead takes about 2.5 hours from Moshi and goes through many villages and coffee plantations, including a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu.
The Rongai Route can also be accessed from Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Allow for two hours, including the border crossing. We will need copies of passports ahead of time.
Welcome to Moshi- the more quaint, laid-back of the small towns sitting at the base of the famed Mount Kilimanjaro! Upon arrival in Kilimanjaro International airport you will be met by our Real Life Adventure Travel representatives, who will provide transportation to your hotel. No activities are planned for the day. You are free to explore picturesque downtown Moshi.
Group briefing and pre-trip discussion. You will be introduced to your trekking guide, have a comprehensive gear check. You are free to explore some more, take part in informal group tour around town; visit the market or a local coffee shop for lunch. Moshi is a relatively small, comfortable city that has a reputation for being somewhat laidback compared to it’s sister city of Arusha so fee free to wander. There will also be time to do last-minute shopping for the trek if needed.
Leave from your hotel after breakfast drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Muru. After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (3450m/11,319 ft) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second major peak rising to slightly less than 17,000 feet. Our second camp is shortly before reaching the saddle that connects Mawenzi to Kibo and Uhuru peaks. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios.
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night!
A long, hard day! Leaving at 1:00 am for the summit on steep and heavy scree up to Gilman’s Pt. at 5685m/18,466’. Here you will take a rest and enjoy the views at the crater rim and spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi before ascending up to Uhuru Peak. You will reach Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet, around 8 a.m. At this early hour, before the clouds close in, we have spectacular views of Africa in all directions.
From here you descend going straight down to Kibo Hut for lunch and then on to Horombo Hut for overnight. It is a long descent and trekking poles are recommended. Congratulations, you made it to the Roof of Africa!.
Our last hike is a descent through the lovely lush rainforest to the trailhead at Marangu Gate. At the gate, you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and enjoy a picnic lunch. The trip leaders will take you back to your hotel for a much-welcome hot shower.
For those returning home, will be tranfered to the airport to catch your flight. For those going on a safari or Zanzibar will be picked up at your hotel on the next day for your trip.
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