Overview
Afrilion Expeditions Limited guides trekking groups on the undiscovered and scenic Rongai Route that has not been ventured on by many. The success route on Rongai is higher than most of the other routes and is especially in stark contrast to the tough Machame Route. The trek starts on the north side of Kilimanjaro Mountain, on the south of the Kenyan border.
ACCLIMATIZATION
The group arrives at the Kilimanjaro Airport and is received by a staff member from the Afrilion Expeditions. From there, a vehicle will take you to the accommodation in Moshi for the overnight stay. The dinner and breakfast for the next day are included in the package.
Overnight Stay: Kilimanjaro Luxury Tent Camp
Itinerary
TREKKING DAY 1
Commute to the Rongai Gate
Day one starts with the transfer to the Rongai Gate by passing through a wooden village filled with maize and potato fields. The ascent point is Nale Moru gate (2,150 m’), where trekkers sign the required documents as the porters prepare for the climb. The group then starts climbing continuously on a simple and relatively easy terrain covered with pine forest. The forest terrain then narrows down as the trekkers reach the edge of the heath (2,600 m’), where the first camp is erected over the Kenyan moors.
En route to the campsite, you can also witness local wildlife animals such as Kilimanjaro Colobus Monkeys. The unique species of monkeys are black with a white flowy tail and a hood of white hair. At the camp, picturesque views await you.
Trekking Duration: 1-2 hours
TREKKING DAY 2Kikelewa Cave
The hikers climb on a balanced terrain to reach the Second Cave around lunchtime on day three. After lunch, we depart from the Second Cave and divert towards the heath on a narrow path approaching the sharp Mawenzi Peaks. After trekking for approximately ten kilometers, the hikers arrive at the Kikelewa Camp in a secluded valley covered with spectacular scenery. Another sightseeing spot nearby is the Kikelawa Cave.
TREKKING DAY 3
Spires of Mawenzi (Mawenzi Peak)
Day three consists of a short yet sharp climb up the green hills at the end of which mesmerizing views await you. On the route, you encounter greenery all around. Once the trekkers pass that, they find themselves at Mawenzi Tarn – a small valley located in the center of the glorious Mawenzi peak. Day three ends around the afternoon and you can spend the evening sightseeing.
TREKKING DAY 4
Night at Mawenzi
This is an extra day at the mountain as you spend two nights at the Mawenzi Tarn. Interested hikers can climb the Mawenzi peak for a short hike to acquaint themselves with the area and enjoy the views.
TREKKING DAY 5
Kibo Crater
On the fifth day, trekkers hike through the moon-like terrain between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach the Kibo Huts. Once you reach the huts, you can enjoy the views and wind up to prepare your summit scheduled for the next day.
TREKKING DAY 6
Midnight Breakfast Summit
Day six starts at midnight as we enjoy a light breakfast at the camp before climbing the summit. Ideally, trekkers should reach the Uhuru Peak a little after sunrise; therefore, the ascent is started in the dark hours of the night. Wearing extra layers of warm clothing and flashlights are essential to climbing this route on a dark, cold night. Most trekkers find it the most challenging part of the Rongai Route trek.
TREKKING DAY 7
Descending from the Mountain
After waking up, we pack and start our descent towards the heath on the Mandara Huts. Upon reaching Mandara, trekkers enjoy lunch and continue their journey after accomplishment. Enjoy the greenery of the forest as you reach the park gate victorious, approximately at three o’clock in the afternoon.
NOTE:
- Personal Porter: $420
- Single-bed accommodations: $550
- Laundry Services: $25
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