7 days Trekking Rongai route

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7 days

unlimited

Trekking

Any desired

short overview

Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well-established route on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations in lieu of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut.
Many favor Marangu because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. However, the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is unfortunately less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path. It is also the most crowded route for that reason.

itinerary

Arrival

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet a Kilimanjaro Unforgettable representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay, cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

Accommodation:

DAY 1 - Rongai Gate - Simba Camp

Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Accommodation:

DAY 2 - Simba Camp - Second Cave

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with super views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Accommodation:

DAY 3 - Second Cave - Kikelewa Camp

Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.

Accommodation:

DAY 4 - Kikelewa Camp - Mawenzi Tarn Hut

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, 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.

Accommodation:

DAY 5 - Mawenzi Tarn Hut - Kibo Hut

Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early.

Accommodation:

DAY 6 - Kibo Hut - Summit - Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning, commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Accommodation:

DAY 7 - Horombo Hut – Mandara – Marangu Gate - hotel

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Kilimanjaro Unforgettable vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

Accommodation:

Departure

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.

No Accommodation

Included/excluded

Oxygen
Oximeters
Camp pillow
Airport Transfer
Extra sleeping pad
Hut or camping fees
National Park gate fees
Hyperbaric pressure bag
Dining chairs with backs
All meals on the mountain
Hot lunches on the mountain
Salaries for all crew members
Kilimanjaro map for the group
Rescue fees (as required by the national park)
Accommodation in Moshi/ Arusha
Celebration dinner at the hotel after returning from trek
Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
Special Kilimanjaro guide with Wilderness First Responder certification
Transport from Moshi/ Arusha to starting point on the mountain and return to Moshi/ Arusha