Rongai Route 8 Days:
Africa Natural Safari
AFRICA
NATURAL SAFARI (The best tour company in Tanzania)
Specialized
in: Wildlife safaris, Cultural tourism ,
Beach holidays
Mountain
climbing
Contact
+255 653 679 958
The Quiet One
In
the northern region, the base of Kilimanjaro is covered in a dense blanket of
rusty gold savannah. The spectacular landscapes of the Masaai land feature
elephants, monkeys and gleaming silhouettes of the contrasting black buffalo
whilst colourful flocks of East Africa’s enticing birdlife soar the blue skies.
The tranquil route travels through many different climate zones. The towering
peak of the mountain is drenched in brilliant light, spikes of thin emerald
impale the snow in distinctive directions. The enchanted cloud forest beckons
one into its pulsing heart. Steeped in plushness and opulence with coils of
vaporous mist and light illuminating through fractured canopies. The long drive
to the gate is crammed with beautiful sights and the 9 days Rongai Route is
considered to be moderately difficult. During the wet season this route is
favoured due to the fact that there is less precipitation in the area – this
allows for enjoyable, drier conditions.
Day 1: Kilimanjaro
Airport to Moshi
You
will be picked up from the airport, from there you will go to the hotel for
orientation on your hike. Your guides provide relevant information for your
specific route and preform a comprehensive inspection on your gear.
Day 2: Rongai Gate /
Nalemoru (1950m) to Simba Camp (2650m) (First Cave Camp)
WalkingTime: 3-4hrs Distance: 6.5km
Altitude Gain: 700m
In
the morning we will transport you from your hotel to the Marangu Gate (1,8km).
Park registration will be completed upon arriving and then we will proceed to
the Nalemoru gate (Under 2km). The extended trip to the gate is packed with
astonishing sceneries and ventures through a native village. An appetising hot
lunch will be served at the gate an introductions between you and your crew
members will take place. We will embark on the 9 days Rongai Route to the
summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The coiling path amid the golden maize field leads
to entrance of the oak-brown forest. Fallen leaves will crackle beneath your
feet as you marvel at the immensity of the emerald canopy. The knotted ember
arms of the tree rise towards the sky, assisting the blue monkeys with their
trapeze performance. The orchestra of birdsong floats through the mist covered
air. You may encounter the striking Black and White Colobus or the adorable
Bush Baby. We will arrive at the Simba Campsite where we will spend the night
(2650m / 3-4 hours of hiking).
Day 3: Simba Camp
(2650m) to Second Caves Camp 3150m
Walking Time: 3-4hrs Distance: 4km
Altitude Gain: 500m
After
a delicious breakfast we will continue to move in the direction of the looming
peak of Kibo to the Second Cave. We will venture on a gentle incline through
the fuscous brown moorland and heather vegetation zones. The arid plains are
scattered with hoary desert plants and the heather is dominated by whimsical
plantation and celestially enormous trees. Hot lunch will be provided at the
Second Caves Camp (3150m / 3-4 hours). There is a possibility of small
excursions towards the Third Cave – this will aid the acclimatization process,
relaxing is also an option. The excursions will increase your chances of
witnessing marvelous sights including the distinct crown of Mawenzi’s serrated,
dark peak speckled with snow. Encountering wildlife such as buffaloes or
jackals is conceivable and the spectacular figure of Kibo Peak (the summit
peak) is best observed at this angle. Your tents will be assembled at the
Second Cave.
Day 4: Second caves
Camp (3150m) to Kikelewa Caves (3600m)
Walking Time: 3-4hrs Distance: 5km
Altitude Gain: 450m
The
trek advances towards Kibo and we will begin after breakfast is served. We will
venture through an exposed area of moorland and heather foliage to reach the
Kikelewa Caves Camp. Your chances of viewing Kibo, which is shrouded in
ghost-grey mist, are high. You may spot the great buffalo with winding horns
and more jackals. A tantalizing lunch will be served at the campsite.
Day 5: Kikelewa Caves
(3600m) to Mawenzi Tarn (4330m)
Walking Time: 3-4hrs Distance: 6km
Altitude Gain: 370m
We
will travel to the Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m) after breakfast. We will traverse
on a malachite-green slope. The chatter of the birds breaking the quiet of the
world whilst clouds shaped like tufty pillows glide slowly across the sky. The
parched fauna and flora of the moorland is temporarily banished as we travel
through a region of wilderness. Our trek proceeds through a low desert area.
The comforting aromas of your delicious hot lunch will drift through the
entrance of the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. (6000m / 3-4 hour trek). Brief excursions for
acclimatization may occur but the remaining hours of the afternoon will be
spent lounging around the campsite.
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn to
Kibo Hut (4700m)
Walking Time: 4-5hrs Distance: 9km
Altitude Gain: 370m
The
route gradually develops into a steeper, rockier trail as we further ourselves
from the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. Traveling along the meek landscape of the ashen
‘Saddle’, an expansive lava stone ridge amid Mawenzi and Kibo, provides
stunning views of the lofty peak of Kilimanjaro. An appetising, warm meal will
be served when we arrive at the Kibo Hut (4703m). You will have a relaxing
evening and an early bedtime to ensure that you are well rested for the
midnight trek to the summit.
Day 7: Kibo Hut to
Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
Walking Time: 6-8hrs ascent, 5-6hrs
descent Distance: 5km ascent, 15km descent Altitude Gain: 1195m Altitude Loss:
2195m
We
will depart from the huts shortly after midnight and undertake the most
demanding day of the entire trek. Until we reach the beautiful Hans Meyer Cave
the trail ensues an extended screed incline, at this stage it adapts into a
single-file zigzag. A rocky path with wildflowers bursting from the earth with
their azure gongs attached will lead us to Gillman’s Point (5685m). The pollen
travels like floating grains of pixie dust, scattered by the blustery wind.
This is the most challenging section of the route. Gillman’s Point signifies
the last two hours of the hike to Uhuru Peak are upon us (5895m). On Africa’s
rooftop the gleaming landscape is smothered in wispy clouds and pasty streaks.
An amethyst-purple tint invades the skies as the sun begins to emerge, soon the
sky will be a-fire in the warm glow of tree-flame. Sun washes the ice fields
with a golden radiance and the sugar-frosted coating glints. We will marvel at
the view and celebrate what you have accomplished before starting the descent
to Kibo Hut where we will take a break. Horombo Hut is our final destination
for the day and you can enjoy a well-deserved slumber.
Day 8: Horombo Hut to
Marangu Gate (1800m) to Moshi
Walking Time: 5-6hrs Distance: 20km
Altitude Loss: 1900m
After
enjoying an appetising breakfast we will circle past the Mandara Hut and
through the magnificent rainforest before reaching the Marangu gate. You will
receive your summit certificates for completing the 9 days Rongai Route and
short festivities with your porters will occur. You will be transported you to
your hotel where a steaming shower and plush bedding await.
Day 9: Moshi to
Kilimanjaro Airport
A
driver will bring you to Kilimanjaro Airport, where it is time to say goodby to
Tanzania and its friendly people. If you’ve decided to go on a safari – well, that’s a different adventure and we’ll
take care of that too!
Our Package Includes
- Transport from/to park gate & airport transfer
- Pre and post climb accommodation (B&B) in Moshi
- Park, camping & rescue fees
- Mountain tent & mattress
- Professional English speaking guide(s); porters & cook
- 8 breakfasts; 7 lunches; 6 dinners
- Water; tea and coffee with meals
Not Included
- Flights
- Lunch & dinner in Moshi
- Travel insurance
- Visa and passport fees
- Increases in park fees where applicable
- Personal equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Tips for guide(s), porters & cook
- Soda
and Alcoholic beverages
For more information visit www.africanaturaltours.com
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