Overview
Rongai route is the only route approaching Kilimanjaro from the northern side close to Kenyan boarder. The remote location of the route offers an unspoilt wilderness like elephant, buffalo and antelope. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the other routes. It is a preferred alternative route of Marangu. Although Rongai is moderately demanding, it is highly recommended especially for those with less backpacking experience. Rongai makes the way through the true wilderness. Six to seven days are recommended for good acclimatization through Rongai. The descent is through the Marangu Route.
This is the one of the best route for mount Kilimanjaro climbing. Lemosho is preferred by reputable operators due to its beauty, remoteness and success rate. In short, it maximizes the chances that a climber will reach the summit, and enjoy the experience overall.
Day 1
After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, we transfer to Rongai. The climb begins from Nale Moru (1,950 m) on a small 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, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp, Rongai One, is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. [3-4 hours walking].
Day 2
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Kikelewa campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3,600 m) [6-7 hours walking].
Day 3
A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb allround views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m), 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 acclimatisation. [3-4 hours walking].
Day 4
We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700 m) 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! [5-6 hours walking].
Day 5
We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685 m) We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach Horombo Camp (3,720 m). [11-15 hours walking].
Day 6
A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m). [5-6 hours walking].
Include
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Professional, English-speaking guide
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Mountain crew (cook & porters)
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Overnight stays in hotels and mountain tents
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Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables etc.)
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Meals
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Drinking water
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All national park fees
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Transfers
Exclude
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Sleeping bag
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Flights
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Visa fees
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Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
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Travel insurance
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Alcoholic and soft drinks
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Tips
DavidLevyBunan
Great Safari experience. Organisation was excellent. Our guide, Mosha, was awesome, very professional, he has a very good level of Spanish.
PerL410
We, a family of 9, spent 5 days with Wapo Africa Safaris in Serengeti. With 2 Jeeps, 2 exellent guides and unlimited safari
Pamavibarcelona
Nice people with new cars to make the safaris in the best condition. Amazing places we have know because the enthusiast of the Wapo Team.
Cristina L
We have been 4 days of safari and it has been an incredible experience. The route organized by Wapo Safari was very complete, our guide Simon was very aware tha
Suggested Routes
Marangu Route
Machame Route
Shira Route
Umbwe Route
Lemosho Route
