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Travel to Tanzania: Kilimanjaro Climb, Rongai Route

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Adventure Vacations from the Experts
   

Kilimanjaro Climb, Rongai Route

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Trip Review
DAYS: 8
GRADE: III-IV define
PRICE: From $2295 per person
(Includes Local Air)
  • HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Uhuru Peak 19340ft
  • Gillmans Point
  • ACCOMMODATIONS:
  • Hotels/Lodges
  • Wilderness Camp
MEALS: As noted
 [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,
  D-Dinner]
Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services
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The Rongai route begins its ascent of Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. Experienced guides consider the Rongai route to be both easier and more scenic than the Marangu Trail. Summit attempts begin in the pre-dawn hours, with climbers usually reaching Gillman's Point at sunrise. For those who feel strong enough, an approximately three hour round trip hike will take you from Gillman's Point to Uhuru Peak. Private climbs are available year round at an additional cost.

DAY 1 :  ARUSHA AND MOSHI
Transfer from Nairobi by shuttle bus to Arusha (pickup will be at your hotel about 7:30 am), where you will meet with other climbers for lunch and a briefing. After lunch, drive approximately two and a half hours to the town of Moshi and the Marangu Hotel. This will be the starting point of your Kilimanjaro climb. [Meals on your own]

 
Campsites along the Rongai route are comfortable, less crowded and scenic. 
DAY 2 :  RONGAI CAMP
Altitude: 6,396' to 8,530'; Hiking time: 3 hours.
Register at the Marangu park gate and transfer by Land Rover (approximately two and a half hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your climbing staff and begin hiking from the village of Nale Moru. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, then climbs gently through a forest sheltering a variety of wildlife, including the Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. Our campsite is on the edge of the moorland zone with expansive views of the Kenyan plains. [BLD]

DAY 3 :  KIKELEWA CAVES
Kikelewa Caves Altitude: 8,530' to 11,320'; Hiking time: 6-7 hours.
Challenging ascent to the "Second Cave" where you will relax and take lunch with superb views of Kibo and the ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch proceed towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, where we camp in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves. [BLD]

 
 Dawn illuminates the snows of Uhuru Peak.
DAY 4 :  MAWENZI TARN
Altitude: 11,320' to 14,210'; Hiking time: 3-4 hours.
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before we reach our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area. [BLD]

DAY 5 :  KIBO CAMPSITE
Altitude: 14,210' to 15,580'; Hiking time: 4-5 hours.
We cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Campsite. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent. [BLD]

 
Guides and trekkers celebrate after reaching the crater rim at Gilman's Point. 
DAY 6 :  FINAL ASCENT-HOROMBO CAMP
Altitude: 15,580' to 18,650' (Gillman's Point) to 19,340' (summit) then down to 12,200'; Hiking time: 12-16 hours.
Begin the final, steepest and most difficult part of the ascent at 1:00am. Hike slowly on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point. Rest for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. For those who feel strong enough, continue (3 hrs roundtrip) to Uhuru Peak passing close to spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs in the summit area. Descend to Kibo for lunch and a rest then continue down the Marangu route to our Horombo Camp. [BLD]

DAY 7 :  DESCENT TO MARANGU
Altitude: 12,200' to 6,250'; Hiking time: 5-6 hours.
Descend steadily through the moorland, past Mandara Hut and through a lush rain forest to the Marangu park gate. Dinner and overnight at the Marangu Hotel. [BLD]

DAY 8 :  DEPART FOR USA OR BEGIN EXTENSION
Transfer to Arusha and international airport or join the shuttle bus departure to Nairobi. You may also begin your safari or coast extension. [B]


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C o n t a c t
Lyndsay Harshman
1(800)345-4453
Lyndsay Harshman
 
 

- Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services -

 
Days:
8

Grade: III-IV (click for grades definition)

2008 Price: From $2295 per person. Land cost based on Group Size

Passengers

2-3

4-10

Land Cost

$2600

$2295

Single Supplement: $195 (click for info)

 
 

2008 Departure Dates

2009 Departure Dates

 

Jun 9 - Jun 16, 2008
Jun 23 - Jun 30, 2008
Jul 14 - Jul 21, 2008
Jul 26 - Aug 2, 2008
Aug 18 - Aug 25, 2008
Sep 1 - Sep 8, 2008
Sep 15 - Sep 22, 2008
Sep 29 - Oct 6, 2008
Oct 13 - Oct 20, 2008
Oct 27 - Nov 3, 2008
Nov 10 - Nov 17, 2008
Nov 24 - Dec 1, 2008
Dec 8 - Dec 15, 2008
Dec 22 - Dec 29, 2008

(Available upon request)

 

Included: Land transportation; accommodations and meals as specified (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner); airport transfers on scheduled arrival/departure dates, English-speaking guide services on Kilimanjaro climb; camp staff and porter services; all park entrances, climbing and camping fees; camp equipment (tents, table, chairs, and dinnerware), Flying Doctors Service; two-way radio, tourism taxes, Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services, services of in-bound land operator for airline reconfirmation (when possible).

 

Not Included: International air fare, airport departure taxes, meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, other personal equipment, optional activities, extras in hotels (laundry, phone calls, room service), tips or gratuities, or costs associated with changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control. We recommend and offer trip insurance.

 

Trip Notes: Combines with the Tanzania Wildlife Week

Better Business Bureau

Last Updated: Monday, March 31, 2008

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