T K Rongai Trail, Tanzania
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Rongai is a moderately difficult route and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience. Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. The descent is made via the Marangu route. Dodo Group Tanzania Limited offers Rongai as a seven-day group climb or a six or seven private climb. The six-day variation does not have an acclimatization day on day four at Mawenzi Tarn. Extra additional day additional cost of $275 will be applied
Arrival
Our Driver will Pick you from the Airport (KIA), Drive to the preferred Hotel in Moshi for Briefing, Orientation, Equipment Check, Dinner, and Overnight.
Day 1: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)
This morning we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have a chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.Distance covered: 8km / 5miApprox. time took: 4 – 5 hoursMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and Non-Vegetarian Available
All Entrance and Park Fees Included
Camping
Simba Camp
Day 2: Simba camp (2626m) – Kikelewa Camp (3679m)
Approx. time took: 6 – 7 hoursDistance: Approximately 11.8 kmMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner IncludedWe hike from Simba camp up towards Kibo till 3 482m for lunch at First Caves, a distance of 5.8km. After lunch, we continue trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3679 meters. The views start to open up, and you begin to feel you’re on a really huge mountain! Water can be found in an obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelewa camp.
Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and Non-Vegetarian Available
All Entrance and Park Fees Included
Camping
Kikelelwa Camp
Day 3: Kikelewa Cave (3679m) – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m)
Distance covered: 8km / 5miApprox. time took: 4 – 5 hoursMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner IncludedA short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and Non-Vegetarian Available
All Entrance and Park Fees Included
Camping
Mawenzi Tarn
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m) – Kibo hut (4730m)
Distance covered: 8km / 5miApprox. time took: 5 – 6 hoursMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner IncludedAfter breakfast, we head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo hut.
Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and Non-Vegetarian Available
All Entrance and Park Fees Included
Camping
Mawenzi Tarn
Day 5 – Kibo hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3705m)
Approx. time took: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to HoromboDistance: Approx 12 – 15 hoursMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner IncludedYou will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot.The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest at Kibo hot, you gather all the gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day.Later in the evening, you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and Non-Vegetarian Available
All Entrance and Park Fees Included
Camping
Horombo Hut
Day 6: Horombo hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m)
Hiking time: 6 hoursDistance: Approximately 29 km Meals: Breakfast, LunchAfter breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely.At Marangu gate, you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates.You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed, and celebrations!!
Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and Non-Vegetarian Available
All Entrance and Park Fees Included
Hotel
Patmos hotel
Technical Clothing 1 -Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood 1 -Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down, warm 1 – Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell 3 -Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric 1 – Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric 1 – Waterproof Pants, breathable (side zipper recommended) 2 -Hiking Pants 1 – Fleece Pants 1 – Shorts (optional) 1 – Long Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric 4 – Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric recommended 3 – Sports Bra (women) Headwear 1 -Brimmed Hat, for sun protection 1 – Knit Hat, for warmth 1 – Balaclava or Buff (recommended) Handwear 1 -Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended) 1 – Gloves, light Footwear 1 -Hiking Boots or Shoes, warm, waterproof 4 -Socks, wool or synthetic 1 -Gaiters, waterproof (optional) Accessories 1 -SunglassesSunglasses or Goggles 1 – Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional) 1 -Water Bottle(Nalgene, 32 oz.) 1 – Water Bladder (Camelbak type, 3 liters) 1 – Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional) 1 – Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (recommended) Stuff Sacks, Dry Bags or “Ziploc”-Type Plastic Bags, to keep gear dry and separate. Note that there is a general ban on plastic bags in Tanzania, however, Ziploc-type bags for toiletries are permitted for tourists. Paperwork Trip Receipt Passport Visa (available at JRO) Immunization Papers Insurance Documents Equipment 1 -Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons* 1 – Camp Pillow, inflatable (optional) 1 -Trekking Poles, collapsable (highly recommended)* 1 -Head Lamp, with extra batteries 1 -Duffel Bag, 70L-90L capacity, for porters to carry your equipment 1 -Daypack, 30-35L capacity, for you to carry your personal gear *maybe rented on location Other Toiletries Prescriptions Sunscreen Lip Balm Insect Repellent, containing DEET First Aid Kit Hand Sanitizer Toilet Paper Wet Wipes (recommended) Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional) Electrolytes, powder, or tablets (optional) Camera, with extra batteries (optional) The most common mistake that climbers make is that they over pack and bring way too much gear. Be selective in what you take with you. Please note that our porters are limited to carrying 33 lbs (15 kgs) of your personal belongings. Everything the porters will carry for you between campsites should be placed into the duffel bag, including the sleeping bag, but it is OK to pack the sleeping bag separately if necessary. If you rent a sleeping bag from us, note that the bag weighs 5 lbs 6 oz. and this weight does count against the 33 lb limit. Our porters will place your duffel bag and sleeping bag into a large, sturdy, waterproof bag with a roll-top closure. If you have excess weight, you will be required to hire an additional porter. It is rare to require an extra porter and should happen only in special cases, such as for carrying extensive photography equipment. You are expected to bring everything you need, though we do rent warm sleeping bags and trekking poles on location. All extra luggage, items you will not use on your climbs, such as safari clothing, gear, and equipment, can also be safely stored at the hotel. Plastic, recyclable water bottles are not allowed in the park, due to past problems with litter. So water should be carried in Nalgene bottles, water bladders, or similar devices. You should be able to carry 3-4 liters of water with you at all times. Please do not bring alcohol. It is illegal to have alcohol in the park. Our staff will not carry it for you. Besides, drinking and high altitude do not mix well. Checked luggage on airplanes can get lost or delayed on the way to Tanzania. You should prepare for this possibility by wearing or carrying on the items that are essential to your Kilimanjaro climb. While most clothing, gear, and equipment can be replaced in Tanzania prior to your climb, there are some things that you should not replace. Dodo Group Tanzania Limited, recommends that you wear one complete hiking outfit on the plane, including a long sleeve shirt, hiking pants, underwear, socks, and hiking boots. In your carry on baggage, you should bring your backpack, waterproof jacket and pants, insulated jacket, fleece pants, snacks, toiletries, medications, camera, and all paperwork. Airline regulations do not allow you to carry trekking poles on the plane. Make sure you do wear/carry your hiking boots; wearing a different pair of boots on your climb will likely cause blistering. If your baggage is lost or delayed, please notify us immediately upon your arrival so we can assist you in assembling the necessary gear. We will take you to local, independently owned rental gear shops in Moshi. Note that these shops generally carry second-hand items that may not be up to Western standards. Dodo Group Tanzania Limited, cannot guarantee the fit, quality, or functionality of items found in local shops. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to carry on the most important pieces of gear as noted above. We will make reasonable attempts to deliver delayed luggage to you on the mountain. All additional expenses that are incurred by us while resolving lost or delayed luggage problems must be reimbursed locally.
9-90
Strenuous
Cost Covers: Pre & Post Trek accommodation Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters Transportation to & from the mountain gate Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees 18% VAT on tour fees & services Double layered Sleeping Mats 3 meals daily while on the mountain Filtered water throughout the trek Portable toilets and toilets tents Hot Water For Washing Purpose Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro international airport. Cost does not Cover: International flights Tips to mountain crew Cost of Visas. Insurance fees Bank transfer charges & card payments processing fee. Expenses belong to person nature e.g Drinks not included on the meal plans, personal purchases, Laundry, etc.
Cancel up to 14 days before Tour Starting time and get 50% refund