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Kilimanjaro Climb, Rongai Route

			Read a Trip Review DAYS: 8 GRADE: III-IV define PRICE: From $2195 per person 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 Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

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
Arrive into the Kilimanjaro International Airport this evening where you will be met and transferred to overnight at the Mt Meru Game Lodge. [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 2.5 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.
Begin the 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 1:00 am. 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 hours roundtrip) to Uhuru Peak passing close to spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs in the summit area. Descend to Kibo for lunch, take a rest, and 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 Mt Meru Game Lodge. [BLD]

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

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Julia Nesbitt 1(800)345-4453