7 Days Rongai Route - Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking

Adventures Time Tanzania

Description

Rongai route located eastern side of the mountain and it begins just south of the Kenya-Tanzania border through farmland and forest to several other climate zones, adding interest to the trek. There are magnificent views over the Kenyan Plains and genuine possibilities for wildlife viewing. This route normally takes 6 days or 7 days depend with your time and budget, but all option guaranteed success summit.
This route normally takes 6 days, however we highly recommend 7 days to allow more time for acclimatization.

ITINERARY

    1. Arrival
    2. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation at Hotel B&B. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing, gear check and arrange for you equipments .

    3. DAY 1: Drive from hotel to Rongai gate and hike to Simba camp
      Distance: 7 Kilometers
      Time: 3 Hours walking
      Zone: Moorland
    4. Today we will drive about 3 hours from your hotel to Rongai gate for registrations. You will have hot lunch and meet your Kilimanjaro crew, after hiking will start through crossing village of Nalemuru fields of maize and potatoes before entering the alpine trees forest. The climb is consistently and gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife like blue monkeys and black and white Colobus Monkeys. You will reach the first campsite at the edge of rain forest and overnight.

    5. DAY 2: Simba Campsite (2670M) to Kikelewa Campsite (3600M)
      Distance: 16 Kilometers
      Time: 8 Hours walking
      Zone: Moorland
    6. Today after breakfast we will start steady walk ascent up to second cave for lunch. After lunch we will start walking in a flat area then a bit steep and descend down a bit before arrive at the camp for dinner and overnight. Today we will be able to seeing Kibo peak and eastern ice fields from the crater rim.

    7. DAY 3:Kikelewa Camp (3600M) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4335M)
      Distance: 5 Kilometers
      Time: 3 Hours walking
      Zone: Alpine desert
    8. Today after breakfast we will start with short steep climbing up grass slopes, which are rewarded with superb circular views and tangible sense of wilderness before reaching Mawenzi Tarn hut for lunch. After lunch we will do a nature walk for acclimatization to the slopes of Mawenzi and back to the camp for dinner and overnight.

    9. DAY 4: Acclimatization day at Mawenzi Ridge
    10. The day is meant for acclimatization which allows your body getting used to high altitude and low oxygen levels. Take a walk exploring the landscapes for one hour and long rest for the day. Return back to the campsite in time for hot lunch. Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.

    11. DAY 5: Mawenzi Tarn (4335M) to Kibo Hut (4720M)
      Distance: 10 Kilometers
      Time: 5 Hours walking
      Zone: Alpine desert
    12. Today we will trek crossing the saddle area between Mawenzi peak and Kibo peak and it will be our last water point and on our way we will be able to see the remain of plane crash, and we will stop at the middle of alpine desert for picnic lunch before getting to the camp for earlier dinner and earlier sleep wait for the summit.

    13. DAY 6: Ascend to Uhuru Peak (5895M)
      Distance: 6 Kilometers
      Time: 6/7Hours walking
      Zone: Alpine desert zone/Glacial zone
    14. Around 11:00pm you will wake up for tea and some snacks and dress up warm for the summit, The summit will start with gradual ascent through volcanic screed meet zigzag trail starting to getting steep and keep moving to crater rim known as Gilman’s point 5685m rest for a while and headed to Stella point 5756m rest for a while again for pictures and view of sun rise also we will join other hikers from Barafu base camp and join together heading to Uhuru peak 5895m. At the summit we will stay for 10-15 minutes for pictures and view and start descending back via the same trail to Kibo hut for resting, brunch and after descend to Horombo hut for overnight.

    15. DAY 7:Horombo Hut (3720M) to Marangu Gate (1800M)
      Distance: 19 Kilometers
      Time: 5 Hours
      Zone: Rain forest
    16. After breakfast we will descend to Marangu gate about 18 km for 4-7 hours, crossing moorland and rain forest zones, you will sign out in Kilimanjaro national park log book, our guide will collect our certificate for those who manage successful summit and enjoy your hot lunch.

Incudes & Excludes, Map & Trekking Equipments
    • Price includes
      >>Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
      >>2 nights of accommodation in Moshi.
      >>Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
      >>Park entry fees,
      >>Camping fees.
      >>Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees.
      >>18% VAT on tour fees & services
      >>4 Season mountain tents
      >>Double layered Sleeping Mats
      >>Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters.
      >>3 hot meals daily while on the mountain.
      >>Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek.
      >>Hot water for washing.
      >>Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
      >>Government taxes
      >>Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
      >>Emergency first-aid kit.
      Price Exclude
      >>Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
      >>Travel insurance
      >>Flights.
      >>Laundry (Available at hotel).
      >>Personal items and toiletries.
      >>Tips for guides, porters and cook .
Technical Clothing:
1 - Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood - $15
1 - Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down - $15
1 - Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell - $10
2 - Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric - $10
1 - Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric - $10
1 - Waterproof Pants, breathable (side zipper recommended) - $ 5
2 - Hiking Pants - $10
1 - Fleece Pants - $5
1 - Shorts (optional) - $5
1 - Long Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric - $5
3 - Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric recommended - $5
2 - Sport Bra (women)
Equipment
1 - Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons - $25
1 - Camp Pillow, inflatable (optional)
1 - Trekking Poles, collapsible (highly recommended) - $10
1 - Head Lamp, with extra batteries - $20
1 - Duffel Bag, 50-90L capacity, for porters to carry your equipment - $15
1 - Daypack, 30-35L capacity, for you to carry your personal gear - $15
Paperwork
Passport – Valid more than 6 months.
Visa (applied online but also available at JRO)
Immunization Papers
Insurance Document (That covers 6000m recommended) *
Accessories
1 - Sunglasses or Goggles
1 - Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
1 - Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.)
1 - Water Bladder (Camelbak type, 3 liters)
1 - Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
1 - Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving room/tent at night (recommended)
Head Wear
1 - Brimmed Hat, for sun protection - $5
1 - Knit Hat, for warmth - $ 5
1 - Balaclava or Buff, for face coverage (optional) - $5
Hand Wear
1 - Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended) - $5
1 - Gloves, thin - $ 5
Footwear
1 - Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in - $20
1 - Gym Shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
3 - Socks, wool or synthetic - $5
1 - Gaiters, waterproof (optional) - $5
Other Important things:
Toiletries
Prescriptions
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Insect Repellent, containing DEET
First Aid Kit
Hand Sanitizer
Toilet Paper
Wet Wipes (recommended)
Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional)
Electrolytes, powder or tablets (optional)
Camera, with extra batteries (optional)
Other Trekking Information

So, you've decided to take on the challenge of tackling Africa's highest peak? Next, you need to think about the best time to climb Kilimanjaro, in terms of weather, trekking conditions and popularity. Although it's technically possible to trek Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro year round, there are certain months which are characterised by colder weather, more rain and potentially lots of snow on the summit. We generally advise that the best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the warmest and driest times of year, from December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October.

What is altitude sickness?
Also called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), it is an illness that can affect travellers at high altitudes, usually above 2400m (8000 feet) such as on Mount Kilimanjaro. Altitude sickness is the name given to the physiological and symptomatic reactions of the body to the low oxygen pressure (‘thinner’ air) that occurs at high altitude. When oxygen pressure falls, the body reacts by increasing breathing and heart rate and starts to produce more red blood cells. More red blood cells mean more vehicles to carry oxygen in the blood. The body also increases production of an enzyme that causes the release of oxygen from haemoglobin to the body tissues. Causes of altitude sickness
AMS is caused by reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. The faster you climb, the more likely you will get AMS. It is not only the height that matters so much, it is the rate of ascent.
You are at higher risk for AMS if you live near sea level and have had the illness before. Others at risk are those with diseases of the heart/lungs such as chronic bronchitis and asthma, people who are anaemic and those with a history of thromboses. Older people and children are also more susceptible to AMS. Symptoms of altitude sickness
Your symptoms will depend on the rate of your climb and how hard you push yourself. Symptoms usually start 12 – 24 hours after arrival at altitude and can affect the nervous system, lungs, muscles and heart. It is important to remember that reducing the symptoms is not curing the problem. The symptoms of altitude illness are similar to those of a hangover. Initially it starts with a headache, lack of appetite, tiredness and feeling off balance. Many hikers find it difficult to sleep. Then nausea sets in and vomiting starts. Headaches are getting more intense. If you continue, conditions might deteriorate. Sometimes the lack of oxygen can cause the leaking of fluid into the brain and lungs. High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) can develop. Our guides are very experienced with AMS. They will be monitoring all symptoms and will take a safe and well-informed decision on whether to proceed or descend. Most often symptoms will be swiftly relieved with decreasing altitude.
More severe acute mountain sickness includes: Blue skin and lips (cyanosis) and grey or pale complexion
Tight chest
Cough and coughing up blood
Confusion, decreased consciousness or withdrawal from social interaction
Not being able to walk in a straight line or unable to walk.
Prevention of altitude sickness
The slower you go, the better you will acclimatise and the higher you are likely to go without experiencing many symptoms. Recognise early symptoms of AMS and if symptoms increase, descend. Your guide will help you take a decision. The only cure is either acclimatisation or descent.
Walk slowly, relax and enjoy.
Drink plenty of fluids while climbing, at least 3 to 4 liters of water per day.
Avoid alcohol when ascending
Talk to your doctor before you attempt to climb Kilimanjaro and ask about the correct preparation, first-aid medication and treatment options for AMS. If you are anaemic, ask your doctor for an iron supplement.
Colds
The risk of altitude sickness will be increased if you are already suffering from respiratory tract infection such as a cold. If you have the flu, do not travel until you are fully recovered. Both colds and the flu are caused by viruses and anti-biotics will not be effective as it is used against bacterial infections.
Acute upper respiratory tract infections include pharyngitis/tonsillitis and laryngitis. Complications may lead to sinusitis, ear infection and sometimes bronchitis which can all be exacerbated by high altitude.
Some research has shown that restrained exercise might not change the severity and duration of the illness, but the intensity of a Kilimanjaro hike will jeopardise your recovery. Getting plenty of sleep is advised as sleep deprivation is associated with increased receptiveness to infection.

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