5 days
Kilimanjaro
Rongai RouteFast gaining ascendancy among avid mountain trekkers Rongai Route is a trek off the beaten track which assures a genuine wilderness experience. Approaching the mountain from the northern side along the Kenyan-Tanzanian border, the trek is marked by the absence of swarming herd of trekkers and allows for a peaceful trekking experience.
The flatter and gentler nature of the Rongai Route make the trek moderately challenging and amenable for inexperienced trekkers. Another thing going in favour of the route is that the northern side receives less precipitation and is drier. The low threat of showers means the inexperienced trekkers won’t have to wade through wet muddy conditions and the deficiencies in their climbing technique wouldn’t be exposed. On the flip side, the even trajectory of the Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro doesn’t yield to the application of climb high/sleep low principles, making acclimatization an issue and Altitude Sickness While Climbing Kilimanjaro is a reality. And to beat that we recommend opting for the longer 7-day itinerary.
There is a discernible lack of scenery on the route but the remoteness of the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route gives you the feeling of the countryside and exposes you to relatively unspoiled wilderness experience-replete with antelopes, elephants and buffalos, birds and colobus monkeys, for a better part of your ascent.
The many caves dotting the Rongai Route will be your night accommodation for that real outdoors feeling. The descent will be via Marangu route on the south side so you get a varied perspective and the best of both sides. Are you ready for the climb, here we mention the Best Time To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro or need more information about your climbing package, contact Lifetime Safaris tod
The Rongai route trek kicks off from the village of Nale Moru (1950 mts) traversing through the cultivated zones at first before entering the pine forests. The forests are home to home different primates, keep your eye out for Colobus monkeys white fringed ‘capes’ and tail.
Today we will make a steady ascent on a gradient to the Second Cave at (11300ft / 3450 m) enjoying the views of Kibo glaciers on the eastern fringes of the mountain. Continuing the ascent to we will reach the Third Cave at 12800ft/3800m for the night.
Continuing our ascent on the eastern trails of Kibo we will trek through the saddle which connects the twin peaks of Maweni and Kibo soaking in their sights till we reach Kibo Hut at (15000ft / 4700 m) after 4-5 hours. Pace yourself well and don’t rush through as the next challenge will be a push to the Uhuru Peak. Make sure you get enough rest and sleep before you haul yourself up at midnight
Your ascent into darkness begins at midnight and be ready for the tough grind on the steep scree laden trail to reach Gilman’s Point at (18640ft / 5681 m). If you make it in time you can witness the splendid sunrise. If you have some gas left in your tank, you can take another three-hour trek flirting closely with the stunning glaciers and ice cliffs along the way to the Uhuru peak at (19340 / 5896 m). Spend a few moments reflecting on your achievement and click some photos with your team before embarking on the descent. It will be a fast descent to Kibo and after some refreshments, you will continue descending till you reach Horombo at (12000ft / 3700 m) in 11 to 15 hours.
Overnight Horombo Camp.
This is your last day on the mountain and you will continue your steady descent to Mandara Hut making your way through heather moorlands and past the lush montane forests to the National Park gate(1830 m). Here you will collect your certificates from the authorities and after signing on the register to mark the end of your journey, you will head to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Connecting with locals can enhance your safari experience truly. We tend to hire only local staff so that you can explore Tanzania’s true essence.
Tanzania is blessed with a colorful and diverse culture that makes the country a spicier place to visit. Explore some age-old customs and beliefs through cultural tours.
We are one of the local companies based in Tanzania. The country is our mother-land, so we believe we can show Tanzania better than anyone else.
