Kilimanjaro, Rongai Route
This route is fast gaining in popularity and is considered to be
one of the easiest routes up the mountain. It is the only route
starting from the north side of the mountain at Rongai a small village
close to the Kenya border. The climbing conditions are drier on
the northern side of the mountain and there are spectacular sweeping
views over the broad flat Maasai lands. Overnights are spent camping
in tents. The summit is reached via the east side of Kibo and the
descent is via the Marangu route.
RONGIA ROUTE ITINERARY
For prices for this tour check out our Kilimanjaro
prices and itineraries index
Day 1
Arrive at Mountain Inn in time for an early evening pre-climb
briefing on the trek, dinner and overnight.
Day 2
The climb begins at the village of Nale Moru (1950 mts) through
cultivated land before entering the pine forest. Watch out for Kilimanjaro
Colobus monkeys in the tree tops with their white fringed 'capes'
and tail. Taking 3–4 hours the first camp is on the edge of
the moorland zone where the forest begins to thin out at First Cave
at 8500 ft / 2600 m. Overnight at 1st Cave Camp.
Day 3
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to Second Cave at 11300
ft / 3450 m with superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields
on the crater rim. Pushing on to reach Third Cave taking 3 to 4
hours at 1280 ft / 3800 m for overnight camp. Overnight at 3rd Cave
Camp.
Extra Day
(This may not be in your itinerary). A leisurely walk up to the
Saddle is a good way to improve acclimatisation by walking high
but returning back to camp to sleep lower. It is also possible to
spend the night at Mawenzi Tarn.
Day 4
Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle
between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut at
15000 ft / 4700 m. The remainder of the day is spent resting in
preparation for the final ascent,
which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp
Day 5
An early start for the summit on steep heavy scree to arrive
at Gilman's Point at 18640 ft / 5681 m in time to see the sun rise.
Those who want to reach the highest point in Africa can take the
approximately three hour excursion to Uhuru Peak 19340 ft / 5896
m passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that
still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo is surprisingly
fast and after some refreshment, continue the descent to reach the
final campsite at Horombo at 12000 ft / 3700 m taking 11 to 15 hours.
Overnight at Horombo Camp.
Day 6
A steady descent down through the moor land to Mandara Hut and
then downward through the lush forest on a good path to the National
Park gate at Marangu (1830 m) taking 5 to 7 hours to be met and
transferred to Mountain Inn for dinner and overnight stay. Overnight
at Mountain Inn.
Day 7
Breakfast at Mountain Inn. End of tour.
Accommodation
Accommodation on the route is in roomy two person tents. The
evening stops are referred to as huts, but most of the buildings
are decrepit. They are used as shelters for the porters and for
cooking. The tents are usually erected for you when you arrive,
although if you want a particular position it's worth taking charge.
In the mornings, it helps everyone get away early if you lend a
hand with taking the tents down.
Acclimatisation
Acclimatisation is extremely important, both to let you enjoy
your ascent but more importantly to avoid any serious complications.
The route is planned to optimise the height gain, but you may still
get a headache or feel nauseous. There are two important preventative
measures: to drink copiously, even when it is really difficult,
and to walk very slowly, avoiding as far as possible increased heart
and breathing rates.
A drug is available, Diamox, from your GP which is well proven
to help with acclimatisation. This is taken as tablets for a few
days before and then during your ascent. It is safe and has no serious
side effects. It is important to remember that one possible effect
of altitude is light-headedness and odd behaviour, which can lead
to foolish decisions. The danger here is of someone who is not well
insisting on continuing. Watch each other closely.
Other details
Food and kitchen equipment will be carried by the porters and
cooked by an experienced cook. It will be plentiful and wholesome,
but may be limited by the circumstances. Your own supply of chocolate
and high energy snacks is a good idea.
Water is available at several points and should be purified before
drinking. All water in camp will be boiled and some provided for
drinking the next day. A comforting tip is to fill your bottle in
the evening with boiled water for the next day, and to use it as
a hot water bottle overnight. Check with your guide where the water
points are.
Toilets are available at the huts but not the camps. Some camps
have several and so it's worth checking for the cleanest. If you
are caught short during the walk, please find a spot as far as possible
from the trail and any water. Bury your faeces and paper. It is
often easiest to move a large rock and use the indent as a hole.
Mark your spot by balancing a couple of stones.
Mount Meru
If you enjoy mountains and would like extra acclimatisation, why
not consider an ascent of Mount Meru (14,800 feet) before going
to Kili. The mountains are adjacent and the two trips complement
each other. Fully inclusive prices start from £495 for a group
of 2. Please ask for more details.
Safaris
Most people add a safari to a trip to climb Kilimanjaro. This can
be either before or after the climb and any number of days. There
are many of the well known game parks within easy reach, such as
Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Masai Mara. Please ask
for detailed itineraries.
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