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The second easiest route on the mountain after Marangu is the little used Rongai trail, which is the only route to approach the mountain from the Northeast. The first few days of this trek retain a tangible sense of wilderness, passing through some wild and beautiful scenery. On the final day and the descent the route is common to the Marangu, which has disadvantages in terms of traffic, but by then don't care any more and just want to get down and take a shower. There are probably only a dozen mountain teams who actually know this route well and for this reason it is not possible to offer an adequate medium specification Rongai climb.
We highly recommend this route on a 6 day itinerary.
Depart from Johannesburg International Airport for Kilimanjaro International Airport. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Moshi, where you stay overnight. Here you will be briefed on your climb before going to bed.
Today you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, where you will check in and begin your descent of Kilimanjaro. The days climb takes you up to the first cave en route, which is 1,800m. The climb will take about 2 - 3 hours. This part of the climb takes you through the Cultivation Area of the mountain, where you can see how local farmers tend to their lands on the side of the mountain. Your stay will be in a tented camp and dinner will be prepared for you before you rest.
Early in the morning, you will begin trekking out past the second cave, and on to the 3rd cave. This is at an altitude of 3,800m and will take you about 6 7 hours. The climb today is relatively difficult, taking you through the forest and well in to the Moorland. After this long climb, you will stay in tents at the cave, where food will be prepared for you before your evening's sleep.
Today you continue ascending to Kibo Hut, which stands at 4,700m and takes about 3 - 4 hours to get there. Here you will need to rest early as the next days trek starts just after midnight. The evening will be spent at Kibo Hut, where you will stay in the cabins.
This is your most difficult day's climb, beginning very early and takes you up the steep point of Gilmans Point (5,681m) summit. From here you will trek on to the crater rim where you should see the sun rise. This part of the journey should take about 7 - 8 hours. Thereafter you will continue on to Uhuru Peak (5,896mm) and then begin your descent back to Horombo Hut. This part should take about 4 - 7 hours, depending on how tired you are. Here you will stay in the hut, and enjoy a well deserved meal before retiring.
The last day of your climb, or should we say descent at this stage. The journey back to the park gate will take in the region of 5 - 6 hours. Here you will be met, collect your certificate, and head back to your hotel in Moshi. We are sure your evenings rest is going to be a good one.
After breakfast you will be transferred back to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home.
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African Encounters is a tour operator run by travelers like you. We know & love Africa and believe that the African continent is there for everyone to exerience. From the rural townships to the lap of five star exclusive luxuary, our partnerships in Africa are unrivaled. We guarentee you the best holiday deal. Booking your honeymoon, holiday, safari, dive or beach holiday. We will make your dream vacation happen.
