Ascent of Kilimanjaro by the Rongaï route

Description

I invite you to climb Africa's legendary peak, Kilimanjaro, via an original and little-traveled route: the Rongaï route.

There is no technical difficulty on this climb, and the acclimatation to altitude is facilitated if one adopts from the first day of the ascent a slow and regular pace.

The altitude varies from 1550 to 5895 meters and the daily differences of altitude are consistent (about 1000 meters). The stages last from 4 to 6 hours per day on average until the last bivouac, allowing a person in good health to be in shape for the day of the summit. This one is long (13 hours) and tiring because of the altitude (5895 meters) and the steepness of the last part (safe snow).

Luggage is carried to the bivouacs by porters throughout the ascent, so you carry only a small backpack with water and a few clothes for the day. It is also possible to store the rest of your luggage at the hotel in Arusha.

Concerning altitude, we are equipped with a hyperbaric chamber during the ascent. However, it is advisable to check with a doctor before departure that you have no contraindications to a stay at high altitude.

To perfect your acclimatization, this trek can be preceded by an ascent of Mount Meru.

If you wish, it is also possible to reach the top of Africa by other routes::

• the Machame route,
• the Lemosho route,
• the Marangu route.

And to round off your stay in Tanzania, you can follow me for one or more safaris I offer on my profile page.

If you need more information, read this article to discover all about climbing Kilimanjaro.

Program

D1: Arrival in Arusha.
You will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Arusha.
In the evening, you'll receive a briefing to prepare you for the climb and check your equipment.

D2: Rongai gate (1950m) - to Rongaï cave (2835m).
The day starts with a transfer to Moshi then Marangu gate for official registration, permits and briefings. Follows another short transfer to the Rongai gate's trailhead.
The route winds through potato and corn farms and then climbs  gently through the forest which is home to a diversity of wildlife, including the famous white and black colobus monkey.
3 to 4 hours of walking, distance: 8km.

D3: Rongai cave (2835m) - Second cave (3445m) - Kikelewa cave (3600m).
You start the trail early in the morning with a progressive slope up to Second cave. You then continue trekking through moorland, divert from the main trail to a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, then arriving at Kikelewa cave to spend the night.
6 to 8 hours of walking, distance: 12km.

D4: Kikelewa cave (3600m) - Mawenzi Tarn (4315m).
Today the hike is short and climbs on a grassy slope. You enjoy stunning views of wilderness. As we leave the heath zone and reach the alpine desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically.
Camp is set beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the surrounding area.
3 to 4 hours of walking, distance: 5km.
Acclimatization trekking from Mawenzi Tarn (4315m) to Mawenzi Ridge (4390m).
This is an extra trek specifically meant for acclimatization and that can be spent by hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The landscape offers amazing views of Kibo and Mawenzi. You then return to Mawenzi Tarn for the night.
1 to 2 hours of walking, distance: 2km.

D5: Marwenzi Tarn (4315m) - Kibo hut (4700m).
We gradually climb and cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Kibo hut is located at the foot of the Kibo crater wall. You rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare the last climb of the next day.
5 to 6 hours of walking, distance: 8km.

D6: Kibo hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo hut (3730m).
Around midnight, you begin to progressively push to Uhuru Peak. This is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek. There will be extreme wind and cold at this elevation. You will ascend in the darkness luckily with the moonlight over our heads for several hours while taking short, breaks.
Coming to Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be satisfied with the most magnificent sunrise coming over from Mawenzi Peak. And finally, you will arrive at Uhuru peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, the rood of Africa and the crown of Tanzania.
After spending a few moments at Uhuru Peak taking all in from the plains of Africa and your triumph, you will descend to Horombo Hut.
Later in the evening, we will gather and enjoy our last dinner on the mountain, telling stories of the grater accomplishments and take a well-deserved sleep.

D7: Horombo hut (3730m) - Marangu gate (1840m).
On this last descending day, you have a long downhill trek through the tropical rainforest. Once at a park headquarters at Marangu Gate, you receive your summit certificates of success. Afterwards you are transferred back to a hotel in Arusha.

D9: Arusha - transport to airport.
At any time, depending on your return schedule, a driver will take you back to the airport.

The price includes

• Local supervision: cooks, drivers, porters and guide.
• Return transfers from Kilimanjaro international airport to your hotel in Arusha.
• Return transfers from the hotel to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate.
• 2 nights hotel before and after the trekking.
• Meals from D1 dinner to D8 lunch.
• Local supervision: cooks, drivers, porters and guide.
• Collective camping equipment (tents for 2 people + foam mattress).
• Safety equipment: hyperbaric chamber, oxygen tanks and pulse oximeter.
• Entrance, accomodation and rescue fees in the Kilimanjaro National Park.

Number of participants	1	from 2 to 3	from 4 to 7	8 or more
Price per person	2820 $	1897 $	1718 S$	1675 $

The price does not include

• Tanzanian visa.
• Return flights to Arusha.
• Airport transfers if you can not get to Kilimanjaro JRO.
• Tips on site (groups of 1 to 4: $300 per person, groups of 5 or more: $250 per person).
• Drinks during meals at the restaurant.
• Personal expenses and equipment.
• Optional insurance.
• Bank charges for international tranfers.
• Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

Accommodation

• Nights in bivouac on the slopes of Kilimanjaro.
• Mobile toilet, installed on the camp at your arrival and reserved for your group.
• All the necessary equipment is included (except sleeping bag): cutlery, comfortable foam mattress and igloo tents for 2 people.

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