iExplore Kilimanjaro Climb- Rongai Route(Trip #66020)

Tour Overview

The Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb is considered a strenuous and physically demanding trip (reaching altitudes exceeding 19,000 ft above sea level.) It is imperative that you are fully prepared (both physically and mentally) for this trip and you must ensure you have all the appropriate equipment and clothing, which can greatly affect the overall enjoyment of your tour.

You will experience equatorial to arctic conditions. The range begins with the warm dry plains with an average temperature of 30C (86F) and ascends through a wide belt of wet tropical forest, through zones with generally decreasing temperature and rainfall, to the summit where there is permanent ice and below freezing conditions. The altitude and seasons determine weather conditions. The fact that for most months of the year there are so few rainy days makes it possible to climb in relatively good conditions all year round. The rainy season is from March to June, with short rains in October and November.

Mt. Kilimanjaro has five altitude/climate zones; the lower slopes, forest, heather and moorland, highland desert and the summit. Within each zone there is an association between altitude, rainfall, temperature, plants and animals. The zones occupy belts of approximately 3,281 ft (1000m) of altitudes each. In general the temperature falls about 1 degree Celsius for every 656 ft (200m) increase in altitude, rainfall also decreases steadily with altitude from the forest upward. Plant life is abundant in areas of high temperature and high rainfall. As you climb you will see that plant life decreases, not because of the height, but because conditions are colder and drier.

The lower slopes 2,624 - 5,906 ft (800 - 1800m) were originally scrub, bush and lowland. This has been cultivated and is now used for livestock grazing and local crops. In this cultivated zone you will not see large wild animals.

The forest 5,905 - 9,187 ft (1800 - 2800m) is the richest zone on the mountain. A band of extremely beautiful forest encircles the whole of Kilimanjaro, frequently covered in cloud. Protected from the sun by clouds, the moisture cannot easily evaporate and there is high humidity, dampness and fog. Although flowers are not plentiful in the forest those seen are often striking. The forest is the home of most of Kilimanjaro’s wild animals. You are likely to see blue monkeys, and black and white Colobus monkeys. Leopards also live in the forest, preying on antelopes, monkeys and rodents, duiker and bushbuck.

The heather and moorland 9,187 - 13,124 ft (2800 - 4000m) is a low alpine zone with a cool clear climate except for mist and fog near the forest. Heather and heath-like shrubs grow in this area, as well as gorse-like bushes, attractive grasses and flowers. There are not many large mammals here and those that do visit the moorland are usually in transit to other areas, although eland, duiker, dogs, buffalo and elephants have been seen. You may see augar and mountain buzzards, the crowned eagle, lammergeyer and the white-necked raven.

The highland desert 13,124 - 16,405 ft (4000 - 5000m) is the alpine zone. There is intense radiation, high evaporation and huge daily fluctuations in temperature, nights can be below 0C and in the day time as high as 40C in direct sun. Under these harsh conditions only the hardiest lichens, moss and tussock grasses can exist. This area does not offer much in the way of wildlife buts its views are spectacular. The summit area above 16,415 ft (5000m) is characterized by arctic conditions - freezing cold at night and burning sun during the day. Oxygen is about half that at sea level and there is little atmosphere to protect you from the sun’s radiation. Creatures large and small are rare in the summit zone, although a leopard has been found frozen in the snow.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha- Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Upon arrival in Arusha you will be met by our representative and taken to the Capricorn in Kilimanjaro.

Capricorn Hotel is located in Marangu village on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in Northern Tanzania.
Capricorn Hotel or Arusha Hotel or similar

Day 2: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park
After an early breakfast, you will depart with a box lunch and drive to the National Park Gate to complete the necessary registration formalities.

From the park gate we transfer by landcruiser to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950 meters) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forests that shelter 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 is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 meters) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rongai Campsite

Day 3: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the second cave (3,450 meters) with superb views of Kibo and the eastern icefields of 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. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3,600 meters).
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cave Campsite 03

Day 4: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all around views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 meters), 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.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cave Campsite 03

Day 5: Mt. Kilamanjaro National Park
We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach School Campsite (4,750 meters) at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early night.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kibo Hut

Day 6: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park
We start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by flashlight 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 meters). 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 (5,896 meters), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 meters) is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720 meters)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Horombo Hut

Day 7: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park- Depart
A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700 meters), the first stopping place at the Marangu Route. We then continue descending through the lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 meters).

After finishing your climb you will be taken to the Kia Lodge for lunch and to have use of a dayroom to freshen up before being taken to the airport to connect with your onwards flight.
Breakfast, Lunch
Dayroom at Kia Lodge