TGSTKIL 08 - Rongai Route
This used to be the route used by the Outward Bound Mountain School
at Oloitokitok in Kenya. The border is open during daylight hours
but all park fees and arrangements must be made (via an agent) at
the Marangu Gate before starting on the route. It is possible to
arrange transport from Marangu to Naremoru / Rongai. Only a limited
number of groups are allowed on the route at any time and it may not
be used in descent. There are several big caves along the route,
these are used by porters and tents should be carried. The "Outward
Bound School" Hut is privately owned, no water or firewood in the
vicinity. Allow 5 days for the traverse.
Day 1
Rongai Gate (1950m) - 1st Caves camp (2600m)
Hiking time: 5h
Distance: Approximately 8 kms
Habitat: Forest (Montane)
Register
at the Marangu park gate with a transfer (approximately 2 ½ hours)
to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your guide and porters before you
begin your hike from the Nale Moru 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 beautiful country. The first night's
camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 metres. There is a toilet and
a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just
down the trail below First Cave.
The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m)
en-route, and reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 metres. The views
start to open up and you begin to feel you're on a really big
mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although
you might have to wander downhill a way to find some. Overnight at
3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves).
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.
Day 4 Mawenzi
Tarn camp (4330m) - Kibo hut (4700m)
Hiking time: 4 - 5h
Habitat: Alpine desert
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 Camp.
Day 5
(Summit Attempt) Kibo hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo hut
(3720m)
Hiking time: 8h to Uhuru, 6h to Horombo
Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit
Distance: Approximately 6 kms ascent, 21 kms descent
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you
shuffle off into the night. 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. Probably the most
demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move
slowly. From Gillman's 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 can spend, taking
photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a
short rest you gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to
Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will 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 well-earned sleep, filled with memories and
stirring emotions.
Day 6 Horombo
hut (at 3720m) to Marangu Gate (at 1980m)
Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 27 kms
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. View more Mt Kilimanjaro 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 and celebrations!! Overnight in Springlands hotel. Basically, the above 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.
The price does not include: -Item of personal nature.
-Tips to guide and porters
Register
at the Marangu park gate with a transfer (approximately 2 ½ hours)
to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your guide and porters before you
begin your hike from the Nale Moru 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 beautiful country. The first night's
camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 metres. There is a toilet and
a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just
down the trail below First Cave.
Mawenzi
Tarn camp (4330m) - Kibo hut (4700m)
Horombo
hut (at 3720m) to Marangu Gate (at 1980m)
