The Rongai route ascends Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. The topography of the route does not allow for the application of the climb high and sleep low principle and hikers generally suffer more from altitude sickness on the Rongai route compared to other routes (an additional acclimatization day is highly recommended on this route). The Rongai route use the scree summiting path from Kibo hut to Gilmans point and descend via the Marangu route.
You must have been thinking, that why travelers chose Tanzania to full fill their trekking dreams? The simplest answer is the grandiose Mount Kilimanjaro and the majestic Mount Meru. As, a climber, here you can get the best opportunity to climb one of the elevated peaks of Africa and experience some of the thrill-seeking activities as well. . Welcome to the magnificent land of Tanzania.
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Hiking time: 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 6.7 km
Habitat: Forest (Montane)
Depart from Moshi town and drive 45 minutes to the Marangu park gate for registration. From Marangu park gate we travel to NaroMoru, north east Kilimanjaro, a further 68km and approximately 2 ½ hours on bad roads to the Rongai start point (1996m). Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the NaleMoru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through a beautiful country side. The first night’s camp is at Simba Camp (2 626m). The camp facilities include a public toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut.
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 11.8 km
Habitat: Moorlands
We hike from Simba camp up towards Kibo till 3 482m for lunch at First Caves, a distance of 5.8km. After lunch we continue trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3679 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water can be found in a obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelewa camp.
Hiking time: 3 hours
Distance: Approximately 3.7 km
Habitat: Moorlands
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
Kikelewa Cave (3679m) – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m)
Hiking time: 5 hours
Distance: Approximately 9 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast we head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo hut.
Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m) – Kibo hut (4730m)
Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo
Distance: Approximately 5.4km ascent and 15 km descent
Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot.
The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.
Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it
Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest at Kibo hot, you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 19.7 km
Habitat: Moorland & Montane Forest
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. Click here for more info on tips.
At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates.
You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed and celebrations!
If you are in the planning of Mount Kilimanjaro then here is the information that you may need. The eastern African mecca Kilimanjaro is the highest peak of Africa and t the world’s largest free-standing Mountain [5895 m]. The time of browsing the list for the trekking, you need to know your requirements first. Then go with your essentials.
Bring your Airline tickets (confirmation and itinerary), International health card (immunizations listed), Passport photos (2), valid passport.
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Heading out for the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro trek is awe-inspiring. Each day hike may be a delightful gift to exploring nature with friends and family, or maybe by yourself. Whether the rocky sleepy routes or the time of daunted decision to take, to travel deep into the mountains or stay closer to home, these places are the one-stop destination. Routes and national parks offer broad networks for trails, and here you can get the opportunity to explore. But the excursion needs some of the important gear to trek.
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Before you head towards the grandiose Mount Kilimanjaro, you need to aware of certain facts. Acute altitude sickness is additionally mentioned as “Altitude Sickness”, and because the name indicates the illness is usually encountered at exceptionally high altitudes, like the summit area of Kilimanjaro. AMS, once apparent, are often most effectively treated by immediately taking the affected person to a lower altitude. You need to consult before the trek. The symptoms of AMS include within the order normally experienced; headaches, nausea, anorexia, exhaustion, lassitude, rapid pulse, insomnia, swelling of the hands and feet and reduced urine output. Here you can take the recommended dosage of Diamox. Climbers can take precautions to a minimum of minimizing the severity of the illness, by maintaining a slow steady pace from day one, including an additional day of acclimatization at a high altitude and by drinking a minimum of 3-4 liters of water a day.
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If you’ll be climbing the highest best peak in Africa. Which is the highest elevated peak of this country? The food that fuels you is an important ingredient in your summit success. Kilimanjaro serves the best at its trekkers. What’s important for your meals on the climb? First, the food should be nutritious. Isn’t it? Meals should be high in calories with the right balance of complex carbohydrates, protein. If you want you can customize the entire food. And therefore the proper of fats to assist sustain your increased level of exertion. Your kind-hearted porters will make you the delicious meals during the excursion. We’ve designed our menus to incorporate the proper nutrition to stay you happening the climb, with three good meals each day, plus tasty trail snacks—the simple sugars in this help provide a lift of energy to stay you going.
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Once you’ll on the Grandiose Mountain of Kilimanjaro, your systematized guides and porters should be essential to your excursion. First is your willpower then you’ll the important factors contributing to a successful summit at such higher elevation are Guides and Porters. For the duration of your Kilimanjaro trek, your guide is going to be your advisor, he will lead you to the summit, and he will bring down safely again. That is the most vital step towards success. It’ll be crucial that you simply work closely with him and follow their notable advice.
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The camping facilities, tents, and toilets on Kilimanjaro are a daunted job to do. If you’re heading toward the majestic mountain Kilimanjaro, then the private toilet camp is necessary. At such higher elevation, you may have faced some health-related issues, while using the public toilet. Then it will be a better idea to bring your own personal, and safe toilet tent. Most of the climbing organizations offer their climbers the option of taking portable loo up the mountain. These are nifty little devices that come with their mini tent, and make your nature’s call easier.
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How can I climb Kilimanjaro?
Trekking to the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro will be your one of the finest decision of life. You need to set a date and book your accommodation, flight, and drive, before the trip. Then get connect with the best travel organiser or the trekking company. And from here they will take all your responsibility on the mountain or during the excursion.
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To climb the stunning Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the foremost desired adventures. And if you’re heading towards the mountain, then you need to carry some essential gadgets with you. That is on the highest of the many trekkers and adventure lovers bucket lists. Thus you should focus on your priorities. Kilimanjaro Trekking isn't only something that needs good physical training but also it needs little good preparation before the trek
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Tipping on Kilimanjaro always seems to be a daunted job. The more you get to know more, the more you’ll confuse. You should know one thing that, there is no right or wrong way to tip your guides. Because it varies company to another. The first concern is, why you need a perfect guide on the mountain? And the answer should be the practical one. A leader leads the path. And if you are committed to the summit, then you need the experienced guide. They’ll instruct you the easiest way to reach your destination.
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Tailor-Made tours are bespoke adventures meaning you can choose everything from the level of accommodation you sleep in to how you travel on a tour of your choice.
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