Mt Kilimanjaro - Rongai Route Tanzania 5895m

In brief: Climb Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, climbing Kilimanjaro is a must for any trekking enthusiast. Kilimanjaro is the easiest of the Seven Summits.

Raj Joshi who led Cheryl Cole, Gary Barlow, Chris Moyles and others to the summit for the televised 2009 Comic Relief trek will be on hand to answer any of your questions you may have about this climb. Between them, Raj and Rolfe have summited Kilimanjaro over 60 times by all its trekking routes making them by far to be the most knowledgeable and experienced western leaders and they still enjoy every ascent. Their enthusiasm about returning to the mountain makes each expedition hugely enjoyable. The variety of landscape discovered on the day-to-day ascent, the good company of our ground crew, and the physical demands of the climb all make for an experience that is simply unforgettable.

The Rongai Route enjoys one of the highest success rates on the Mountain. Included in this itinerary is an extra day at the spectacular Mawansi peak camp for further acclimatisation. We at 360 Expeditions enjoy a near 100% success rate on this route because we take our time in ascending this peak and allow plenty of time for acclimatisation, and we have exceptional leadership. After all it is you who has taken the time, expense and commitment to climb this mountain and you deserve the best chance and the highest possibility of standing on the summit. This is the only realistic program that will ensure maximum success.

The Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the North and retains a sense of untouched wilderness lost on the more popular trails. Trekking the Rongai Route allows for more in depth exploration of the mountain as the days are shorter and less demanding when compared to the other routes. Sights that contribute greatly to the overall Kilimanjaro experience are the exploration of the lava tunnels near Kikelewa camp, and an ascent to the crater of Mawenzi peak during the acclimatisation day at this camp. The Rongai Route has a relatively gentle gradient and shorter daily stages, as it winds its way from the starting point just south of the Kenya-Tanzania border. It passes through a fantastic diversity of terrain including farmland and forest, Alpine moorland and finally the beautiful summit cone. There are magnificent views throughout, with greater possibilities for wildlife viewing, and extras such as the exploration of lava tunnels and a hugely beneficial extra day to aid acclimatisation below 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. Descend through lush tropical forest and down to a cold beer below.

For those wanting to stay a while longer in this magical land, Zanzibar or the vast national parks are only a stone's throw away.

Extensions:

For all Kilimanjaro expeditions 360 also offers three extensions giving you a taste of all that this amazing continent has to offer. Click on one of the following links for details:


- A relaxing retreat to Zanzibar, other wise known as the spice island. Click here for more information


- Unforgettable safari to the well-known Ngorongoro crater and to the Serengeti. Click here for more information


- A cultural extension where you will mix with the Massai and visit a working coffee plantation. Click here for more information

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart UK for flight to Tanzania

Day 2: Arrive Tanzania

We arrive in Tanzania and will be transferred to a comfortable hotel to relax and rest for the remainder of the day. After dinner there will be a comprehensive brief from your 360 Leader for your adventure ahead.

Day 3: Trek from Rongai Gate to Simba Camp (2,600m)

Habitat: Local farm land, Plantations and dry forest.

After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate and meeting our porters, we transfer by Land Rover to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950m) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. Upon entering the rainforest the famous Colobus monkeys are often found.

2,600m. Hiking time: 3-4 hrs.

Day 4: Trek to Kikelewa Caves (3,600m).

Habitat: open Heath zone and grassy alpine plains. Lava tunnel.

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the 'Second Cave' (3,450m) 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. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Groundsel and Lobelia's near Kikelewa Caves.

If we arrive at this campsite early enough then a few hours can be spent exploring a nearby lava tunnel which is thought to be about 2 kilometres long.

3,600m. Hiking time: 6-7 hours.

Day 5: Trek to Mawenzi Camp (4,330m)

Habitat: Alpine grasses and wide open rocky valleys. Sweeping views.

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes 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 (4,330m), 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 acclimatisation.

4,330m. Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Day 6: Acclimatisation at Mawenzi Camp (4,330m)

Habitat. Spectacular Mawenzi amphitheatre. Soaring summits of Mawanzi peak. Open scree slopes. Alpine desert.

Keeping our camp at Mawenzi Tarn, we will endeavour to improve our acclimatisation by hiking towards the spectacular peak of Mawenzi. We will do this in the morning, so that the afternoon can be used to rest and rehydrate, and to prepare for the challenging days ahead.

Several different walks can be done from the camp. Each affording fantastic views of the area. Clear days are often rewarded by visits to the camp by African ravens and sometimes Lammergeyers can be seen.

Hiking time: 3-5 hrs.

Day 7: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4,330m) - Kibo hut (4,700m)

Habitat: Alpine desert.

Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the exposed saddle between Mawenzi. Ahead of us lies the massive bulk of Kibo looming nearer as we climb the gentle slopes to Kibo camp. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp.

Hiking time: 4-5 hours.

Day 8: Summit attempt: Kibo hut (4,700m) - Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.

You will rise around 23:30 and after some tea and biscuits will start for the summit. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5,150m), a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman's Point (5,681m) on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. From Gillman's Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. The summit rim traverse is spectacular and your prize comes closer with every step. Total exhilaration and satisfaction - you made it.

Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend taking photographs, before the three hour descent back to Kibo hut.

After a short rest you gather all your gear for the descent and head down to Horombo Hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. 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 a beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Hiking time: 8-9 hours to reach Uhuru - 6 hours to descend to Horombo hut.
Distance: 6 km ascent - 21 km descent

Day 9: Horombo Hut (3,720m) - Marangu Gate (1,980m)

After 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. Those climbers who reached Gillman's Point (5,685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m) receive gold certificates.

You now drive back to Marangu village for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations. Overnight in local hotel.

Hiking time: 6 hours


Day 10: Day in Moshi and evening flight to UK

Recover from the climb and spend the morning or afternoon visiting Moshi for a chance to buy souvenirs before your transfer to catch an evening flight back to the UK.

Day 11: Arrive in UK

Arrive back to either Scotland or London Heathrow.