8 days Kilimanjaro – Rongai Tour Tanzania Itinerary
This Rongai Route is imminent to Kilimanjaro from the north not far from the Kenyan border. The area retains a sense of untouched wilderness lost on the crowded Marangu and Machame trails. This is the moderate of all the itineraries and has a relatively mild slope and short daily stages.
It begins from the south of Kenya-Tanzania border through the pretty farmland and delightful forest to several other climate zones, adding considerably to the interest of the trek. From the same way, you can easily view the
Amboseli plains and there are more chances of viewing wild life.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro
On your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be transferred to Moshi and check-in at Hotel. You will then be briefed about the climb. This briefing is to help you check on whether you have the equipment required for the climb or not.
Day 2: To Rongai
Hike up throughout the Rongai Forest, which is approx. 2560m. Drive to the town of Loitokitok on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro and the trailhead five miles outside of town.
Climbers will then start the climb passing through the tropical rain forest. You are advised to walk slowly. It is a 5-6 hours walk to the first camp at approx. 2560m. The forest contains a diversity of bird life, colobus monkeys and other monkeys.
Arrival will be in the early afternoon and the rest of the day will be used to relax and recheck your equipment. You will spend you overnight at the First camp.
Day 3; The first camp to Kikelewa Moorland. (3600m)
Progress through the forest, inevitably disputing the moorlands just below a large lava projection known as Second Cave. Take a luncheon, then enter through the open moorlands toward the spectacular peak of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second major peak rising.
Reach Kikelewa, shortly before reaching the saddle that connects Mawenzi to Kibo and Uhuru peaks. This is a 5-6 hours hike.
Day 4; Mawenzi Camp
Mounting early you climb steadfastly to craggy jugged peaks of Mawenzi. One of the volcanic peaks camp beneath Mawenzi at approx. 4,400m. Some groups, however, take an alternative route away from Mawenzi and camp on the north side of the saddle.
Day 5: Outward Bound Hut (4 Hours)
Trek to the Outward Bound Hut at 4,750m between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Mountain vistas are wonderful as we emanate onto the saddle between glacier-covered Kibo and rock-crowned Mawenzi (these mountain outlooks alone are a credit to the effort of the trek!).
We’ll arrive by lunchtime, and have the afternoon to organize and rest up for the summit attempt. We’ll turn in early (since we’ll be arising at midnight).
Day 6: From Kibo camp to Gilman’s point, Uhuru Peak then over night at Horombo Hut
(11-12hours)
The hardest day of the climb! The climb starts at midnight or one, where it is dark cold and where you use your head torch for the first few hours. You will rest and have coffee at Hans Meyers cave after about 2hours of climbing.
The temperature conditions will be determined by the weather. Reach Gilman’s point at dawn and usually see a spectacular sunrise as you stand above the clouds. With energy enough left, take a further walk ahead before you are standing on the highest part of the African continent- Uhuru Peak. What a picturesque! Descend down to Kibo and then on to Horombo at 3720m for over night
Day 7; Horombo – Hotel in Moshi
Move downward across the moorland and into the forest to Mandara for lunch. After lunch proceeds down to the Marangu gate. (The descent is on the Marangu route). Then back to your Hotel to have fun with the guides and the porters and of course tip if you wish to.
Day 8; Back to Kilimanjaro airport
Having taken breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro airport for either an extension safari to Zanzibar or to wait for your scheduled flight back home
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