Tour Overview
The Rongai Route approaches the highest mountain in Africa from the north and retains a sense of untouched wilderness lost on the crowded Marangu and Machame trails. The easiest of all the routes, it has a relatively gentle gradient, and short daily stages as it winds its way from the starting point just south of the Kenya-Tanzania border. It passes through attractive farmland and delightful forest, past Alpine moorland to the beautiful summit cone. There are magnificent views throughout, with genuine possibilities for wildlife viewing, and an extra day to aid acclimatisation as the trails climbs to the beautiful Mawenzi Tarn, beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The final ascent is arduous and made in darkness, but the reward is a spectacular dawn view of the glaciers and ice cliffs of the summit, and across the East African plains far below. Descending through lush forest, there is an evening to relax and recover before the flight home. The Sun - recommends Kilimanjaro with Exodus (28 February 2009).
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1Start Marangu.
Day 2
Begin ascent of Kilimanjaro through Rongai Forest (2600m).
Day 3
Climb to Kikelewa moorland (3600m).
Day 4
Steady ascent beneath jagged peaks of Mawenzi (4330m); afternoon acclimatisation.
Day 5
Cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' to Kibo, at the bottom of the crater wall (4750m).
Day 6
Early start to reach Gillman's Point in time for sunrise over the crater rim: on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa (5895m) Descend to Horombo (3720m).
Day 7
Continue descent through forest to Mandara and Marangu.
Day 8
End Marangu.
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