6 DAYS/ 7 DAYS
It is ascending route with an option of using four or five stations depending on the choice of the climber. Visitors who ascend through this route will descend through Marangu route. Option of four stations includes Simba camp, second cave, third cave and school hut and the second option for five stations is Simba camp, second cave, Kikelelwa, Mawenzi tarn hut and School hut.
The Rongai Route is the only one that approaches the summit from the north and starts near the border of Tanzania and Kenya. For those looking for a more remote route, Rongai is an excellent choice, as traffic is low and it offers a different perspective of the mountain as you conquer it from the north.
Climbing to Kilimanjaro through Forest.
After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, we transfer by Land rover to Rongai. The climb begins from Nale Moru (1,950 m) on a small fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp, Simba Camp; is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,671 m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. [3-4 hours walking].
Climbing to Kilimanjaro through Ice Field.
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Kikelewa campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senesces near Kikelewa Caves (3,600 m) [6-7 hours walking].
Climbing to Kilimanjaro through Wilderness.
A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb all round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,315 m), 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. [3-4 hours walking].
Climbing to Kilimanjaro across the lunar Desert.
We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,720 m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! [5-6 hours walking].
Climbing to Kilimanjaro Gillman’s Point.
We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685 m) We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach Horombo Camp (3,720 m). [11-15 hours walking].
Climbing to Kilimanjaro Retrace through Moorland.
A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,720m), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,879 m). [5-6 hours walking].
End of services, you will transferred to Airport for your flight back home
Dracaena Expeditions was born out of a passion for adventure and a deep love for Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
For your convenience, you can also reach us by filling out our online inquiry form below. Please provide as much detail as possible so we can best assist you.