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Due to lower levels of precipitation, the Rongai route is unique compared with all other routes. The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border and is one of the least traveled routes. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many viewpoints.
The Rongai Route can also be accessed from Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Allow 2 hours including the border crossing. We will need copies of passports ahead of time.
In this first day you will drive to the attractive wooden village of NaleMoru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
In this day after breakfast you will begin the hike in the morning which is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
In this day after breakfast you will go across the moorland on a smaller path towards the pointy peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios nearby.
In this day after breakfast you will proceed with your hike by going through a short but steep climb up grassy slopes where it is rewarded by superb views then leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn which is spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.
In this day you will proceed with your hike by crossing the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach the Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early.
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers.
This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and having an optimistic attitude will get you there!
After breakfast, we will take a steady descent down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through the lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha (about 3 hour).
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