RONGAI ROUTE 7 DAYS INTINERARY

RONGAI ROUTE 7 DAYS INTINERARY

Day 0: Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha

When you arrive you will be met at the airport by our driver- with a sign bearing your name, then you will drive to Maasai Land Safari Lodge in Arusha for dinner and overnight. In the afternoon or evening your GMExpeditions Mountain Guide will meet you for a Kilimanjaro climb briefing and an equipment check.

Dinner on your own, overnight at Kibo Palace Hotel.

Day 1: Arusha to Rongai Gate (Nalemoru) to Simba Camp

Elevation: 1950m to 2600m, Distance: 8km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest,

Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nalemoru (about 3 to 4 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). Your expedition would be started only when; your porters get prepared. At the beginning, you would hike through wide path that wind through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest where you can encounter a considerable numbers of wild species. You would have your first camp at the end of the moorland zone where the forest gets thin. The exotic views of the Kenyan plains from here would enthrall you.

Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave

Elevation(m): 2600m to 3600m, Distance: 9km, Time: 6-7 hours, Habitat: Moorland.

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp

Elevation: 3450m to 3600m, Distance: 9km, Walking Time: 2-3 hours, Habitat: Semi-desert,

Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Turn Hut

Elevation: 3600m to 4330m, Distance: 6km, Walking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Semi-desert

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Turn, 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.

If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.

Day 5: Mawenzi Turn hut to Kibo Hut

Elevation: 4330m to 4750m, Distance: 9km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert

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 very early.

Day 6: Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hut

Elevation: 4720m to 5895m & down to 3720m, Distance: 6km up & 15km down, Hiking Time: 11 to 15 hours, Habitat: Alpine desert, moorland

Very early in the morning (midnight about 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elevation 5700m). Continuing ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. Start descending and take a stop at Kibo for lunch before exploring the Horombo encampment.

The day of summit is the most difficult day of hiking as you have to start earlier to reach on the top to see the sun rise, so take the bare necessities like the headlamp/ flashlight, the warm clothes and the camera with you. Remember you have to trek in the night and reach on the top short after or before the sunrise to see the best of the Kilimanjaro beauty. Make sure, you may be tired, so it is always recommended to go slow to the summit.

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, to Arusha

Elevation(m): 3720m to 1879m, Distance: 19km, Time: 5-7 hours, Habitat: Moorlands, forest

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. From there you would have to descend through lush forest path to Marangu gate. Remember the lower elevations can be wet and muddy, so descend slowly and don’t wear long dress, the Shorts and t-shirts will be very comfortable at the time. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates and you will be served a delicious hot lunch!! After lunch you drive back to Arusha for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!(2 to 3 hours)

Price: $2,300 per person in double occupancy.

Items included:

·         Transfer to/from Kilimanjaro National Park

·         Overnight stays in Mountain Hardware tents

·         Professional, experienced, mountain guides

·         All Park fees

·         Rescue fees

·         All meals while on the Mountain

·         Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees

·         Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food

·         Clean, purified drinking water

·         Fair and ethical treatment of porters

·         Airport transfers

·         Accommodation in Arusha

Items not included:

·         Tanzania Visa

·         Gratuity

·         Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

·         Meals not listed above