Mt Kilimanjaro climb, trekking. Rongai - Marangu Route(6 day)

This remote and less frequently used route is the second easiest route to Kilimanjaro. The approach to the mountain is from the less-forested north side and the descent is by the Marangu Route. There are several variations, the one described below is a longer route taking in Mawenzi Tarn. The second day on this variant is quite long and could be broken up into two days walk allowing more time for acclimatisation. The ascent to Uhuru Peak is almost the same as for the Marangu Route from the Kibo Hut.

Accommodation on the mountain is in tents (even on descent) which the porters will pitch for you. You will need a sleeping bag, warm clothes and walking poles. This is a steep, tough trek within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas.

Day 1:

After breakfast we will transfer you to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of 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 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. Our 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 up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round 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 School campsite (4,750 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! [4-5 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 our final campsite at Horombo (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. You will be transferred to the Hotel or Alternative Hotel in Moshi for overnight.

Climbing certificates are issued by the Kilimanjaro National Park for successful climbers

Make the ascent in a pace that suits you do not rush and rest frequently.

Make Sure that you drink at least 3 - 4 liters of liquid a day, preferably water. The water on the mountain is safe to drink. Take a sip every now and then. You will lose a large amount of fluid through the lungs and by sweating.

2008 Price: $1550 /Person.

Basically, our price include:

Guarantee Price, Guarantee Departure.

Free scheduled bus shuttle Nairobi-Arusha- Moshi-Nairobi.

2 nights accommodations in a mid-class hotel (Bed and Breakfast), before and after the climb.

Accommodation in mountain tents/huts.

Meals (3 meals a day),

All park fees, including mountain rescue fees, and government taxes.

Services of our own trained English-speaking mountain guide, and a skilled cook, and enough numbers of porters for your luggage,

Transport from your hotel to the mountain, and back to your hotel.

Discount available for group of 3 or more!.

The price does not include:

Item of personal nature.

Tips to guide and porters