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Kampala, Uganda

7 Day Mt Kilimanjaro Climb, Rongai Route

Kilimanjaro climb RongaiRoute begins at the northern side of Kilimanjaro near the Kenya border and will take 7 day to the Uhuru Peak and Back to the Mweka gate. We trek through the wilderness of Kilimanjaro towards the jagged Mawenzi Peak, then through the barren desert saddle The Kibo’s eastern crater wall climb another trekking that take us to Uhuru peak. The Route is a more gradual and hence suitable for novice climbers

Day 1: Arrive Marangu
From Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Marangu. The whole day rest. We stay at the Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort, which is beautifully located on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro and is a perfect place to prepare for your Kilimanjaro climb.

Day 2: To Rongai One Camp (2,600 m); 3-4 hours climb.
After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, we transfer by Landrover to Rongai. The climb begins from Nale Moru (1,950 m) on a small path that wind 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, Rongai One Camp (2,600 m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Day 3: Second Cave’ (3,450 m); 3-4 hours walking.
This is only a morning walk up to the campsite at ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m). The walk is a steady ascent with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. The afternoon can be spent enjoying the view over the Kenyan plains or doing a short acclimatization walk up towards Third Cave.

Day 4: To Kikelewa Caves (3.600 m); 3-4 hours climb.
We now 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). After lunch, there is time to explore the valley or to rest.

Day 5: To Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m); 3-4 hours climb.
A short but steep climb 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 (4,330m), 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.

Day 6: ToKibo campsite (4,700m); 5-6 hours climb.
We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700m) 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.

Day 7: To Uhuru Peak and Retrace to Horombo Hut (3,720 m); 11-15 hours.
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).

Day 8: To National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m); 5-6 hours retrace
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).