Explore the mighty Kilimanjaro from the road less travelled via the Rongai Route
Explore the mighty Kilimanjaro from the road less travelled via the Rongai Route
Welcome to the start of your journey to the ‘Roof of Africa’. Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, affectionately known as ‘Kili' is Africa’s highest mountain at 5895m. Kili is also the world’s highest free-standing mountain, and its towering snowcapped, symmetrical cone is a world-recognized African image. A world heritage site, the whole mountain is designated a national park and Kilimanjaro National Park covers an area of some 755 sq km, consisting of vast areas of montane forest with unique moorland flora and alpine desert higher altitudes.
The Rongai Route
The Rongai Route retains a sense of untouched wilderness which is lost on some of the more popular routes. This remote and less frequently used path is the second easiest route to Kilimanjaro’s peak. While it is still a tough route, with steep paths at times, it is within the limits of a fit individual and affords some marvelous views over the Amboseli Plains (in neighboring Kenya) with genuine possibilities for wildlife viewing.
Our trek begins in rainforest until approx 2500m where, foliage turns to giant heathers and moorland grasses, supporting animals and birdlife as we approach the Mawenzi tarn, vegetation becomes sparser and we begin to close in on the snow line and the jagged pinnacles of Mawenzi. Just above this we reach a desert of scree before arriving at School Camp near Kibo Hut. This is our last camp before the summit and close to where all summit routes combine. The descent is by the Marangu Route on the Southern Side.
Accommodation on the mountain is in portable tents pitched by the porters, in bush camps with few facilities. Access to the trek start is 2-3 hours by vehicle from Moshi. The return is approximately 30 minutes.
Arriving at any time today, we will be able to relax, recover and acclimatise from the journey to Africa and Moshi. Moshi is a small and pleasant town and there are plenty of markets and cafes to explore and relax in.
After Breakfast and a pre-trek briefing by your guide, we head out on the transfer to Nale Maru Gate - on the northern side of the mountain, close to the border with Kenya.
Our route takes us through lush rainforests before gradually opening up into heather and grassy moorland and our first camp.
Starting the day with a hearty breakfast, we head out from First Cave, across the moor and ascend to Kikelwa Caves - where we stay the night.Here we are rewarded with spectacular views of the Kenyan plains to the north.
Its a relatively short but steep climb today up grassy slopes to our camp at Mawenzi Tarn - directly below the towering spires of Mawenzi.
This afternoon we are free to rest or explore the surrounding area. Staying at this height for the rest of the day is a great aid to altitude acclimatisation.
Leaving the vegetation zone behind, we reach the barren rocky landscape just beneath the snow-line. We cross a lunar desert of scree between Mawenzi and Kibo.
We aim to get to rest early tonight in order to start our trek in the early morning hours.
With the aim of being on the summit at or shortly after sunrise, means we have to start trekking shortly after midnight already.
Pole Pole - one foot in front of the other - we make our way up the steep scree in the darkness to reach the roof of this mighty continent.
After a short time on the summit we begin our descent to first Kibo and then Horombo Huts - ready for a hearty dinner.
Our final day trekking is a short three hour scenic route through to the park gate - where we bid farewell to our loyal and hard working porters and transfer back to our hotel in Moshi for a well earned celebration.
With a good nights sleep behind us we have a final breakfast before arrangements end.
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