Kilimanjaro - Rongai Route
Price from: £1699.00
Climb to the roof of Africa via this alternative route...
Ascend Kilimanjaro via this unspoilt and lesser explored route from the north-eastern side, following the border of Tanzania and Kenya.
- Highlights
- Remote, eastern route
- Fewer climbers
- Ideal during rainy season
- Possibility of seeing wildlife
The route follows scenic pathways which lead us through farms and open countryside before reaching woodland, extending via lush greenery (where the chance of spotting wildlife is at an optimum) and out to the summit track which is the hardest part of the climb. Although this final ascent is fairly arduous and completed in darkness, you will be rewarded by a spectacular dawn view of the of the summit ice cliffs and glaciers and out towards the East African plains which stretch out into the distance below your lofty vantage point.
Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest as you make your way to Marangu Gate to rendezvous with our vehicle which will transfer you back to Arusha. There is a prolonged drive leading up to the start of this route which is one of the reasons why it is less crowded.
Porters on Kilimanjaro
Activus Outdoors is proud to promote responsible travel through our association with the International Mountain Explorers Connection and Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project. In order to be a KPAP partner, Activus Outdoors must adhere to the following guidelines about porter treatment on Kilimanjaro:
• Wages - 6,000Tsh/day for the Marangu route and 8,000Tsh/day for all other camping routes
• Loads should not exceed 25kgs - porter carries 20kgs for the company and 5kgs of their own gear
• Porters receive the full amount of tip intended for them - a transparent tipping procedure in which each crew member receives their tip directly
• Porters are fitted with suitable clothing and equipment
• Porters have proper shelter and sleeping equipment - each porter is required to have a sleeping bag and adequate space in sleeping quarters
• Porters are provided with food and water - porters should be given adequate water and at least two meals a day while climbing Kilimanjaro
• Number of crew should stay consistent throughout the trip - porters will not be overloaded if a crew member leaves
• Sick or injured porters are properly cared for - an ailing porter will receive the same treatment as a sick climber
Participation Statement
Mountaineering and trekking can be dangerous and carries an inherent risk of injury or death. Our professional leaders will continually undertake dynamic risk assessments to minimise the level of risk but it is impossible to reduce the risk entirely, nor is it desirable to. Objective dangers such as avalanches, rock fall and altitude illness will occur in the mountains. Participants must understand and accept these risks and take responsibility for their own involvement.
Itinerary
| Day 1 | Depart UK and fly out to Kilimanjaro Airport Tanzania and transfer to your hotel in Arusha. There will be a early evening trip briefing which will cover all aspects of your trip and distribution of any pre-booked hire equipment. Please bring with you your passport, insurance details and your air ticket details. |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | Rongai Gate (1800m/5900ft) to First Cave Camp (2600m/8400ft) |
| Day 3 | First Cave Camp (2600m/8400ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3600m/11,810ft) |
| Day 4 | Kikelewa Camp (3600m/11,810ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m/14,200ft) |
| Day 5 | Mawenzi Tarn Camp |
| Day 6 | Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Camp (4750m/15,580ft) |
| Day 7 | Kibo Camp (4750m/15,580ft) to Uhuru Peak (5895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3720m/12,200ft) |
| Day 8 | Horombo Hut (3720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1800m/5905ft) |
| Day 9 | Departure - head to the airport for your flight back to the UK |
Reference
- This itinerary is only intended as a guide. The actual timings of the expedition may be affected by numerous factors and unforseen events which may cause slight changes to the schedule listed above.
What's Included?
- Trip planning, organisation and local logistics
- Experienced local mountain leader
- All permits and entrance fees for National Parks
- Local guides and porters
- Hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in Arusha (2 nights)
- Full board accommodation in campsites on Kilimanjaro (5 nights)
- Full board mountain hut accommodation (1 night)
- Group equipment including tents, dinning tent, toilet tent
- Discount outdoor clothing voucher for Cotswold Outdoors and Montane
Not Included
- International flights
- Excess baggage charges
- Tourist visa for Tanzania (£38.00)
- Personal equipment
- Travel Insurance
- Lunches & evening meals in Arusha
- Tips for porters and local staff (approximately US$150)
- Costs incurred if the expedition finishes early or late
- Costs incurred if you leave the expedition early
Information
Download a kit list by viewing our Kilimanjaro Preparatory Information
FAQs
Q. How far do we hike each day?
A. On most days, you will hike about 10km (6.2 miles). In order to adjust to the change in elevation, you will be hiking the days distance at a slow pace.
Q. How fit do I need to be?
A. During the trek most days are between 4-6 hours walking along obvious but rough tracks. As a general guide if you can enjoy two good consecutive days walking in the UK (e.g. Scafell from Langdale and Helvellyn via Grisedale Tarn) over a weekend and not feel too bad on the Monday morning then the trekking should not present too many problems. The summit of Kilmanjaro involves a long day of walking at altitude. The usual plan is to leave the high camp just after midnight getting to the summit for sunrise. We would then descend back to high camp for a break before continuing down. In total these days can be up to twelve hours. For most people long days in the hills and some form of aerobic training will give them a good base to enjoy the stunning summit days.
Q. How much experience do the Activus guides have at climbing Kilimanjaro?
A. Each Activus guide has several years of experience on Kilmanjaro. Our most experienced guide has climbed Kilimanjaro more than 200 times (18 years) while our most junior guide has climbed about 50 times (5 years). Be sure to listen to your guides advice while on the mountain and remember to go slowly! If you hike slowly, you increase your chances of reaching the top as your body has more chance to acclimatise.
Q. I am concerned about porter welfare?
A. Our hardworking guides and porters are fundamental to the success of our expeditions and are very much part of our team. We support the work of the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG). Our Tanzanian agent is a partner with the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC) and Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) which ensures we adhere to the following guidelines: 1) A minimum porter wage of 8000Tsh/day 2) A maximum porter load of 25kg of which 5kg is for there own equipment 3) Transparent tipping policy where each porter receive the correct amount 4) All porters outfitted with proper clothing and equipment suitable to the conditions 5) All porters to have a sleeping bag and a dedicated sleeping space 6) All porters to receive adequate water and a minimum of two meals a day 7) The crew size must stay constant throughout the trip to prevent overloading 8) A sick or injured porter must receive the same care and treatment as a sick climber
Q. I have never been to altitude before. What should I expect?
A. For many people a trip to Kilimanjaro is their first experience of going to altitude. We have a very gentle acclimatisation profile which should allow you to enjoy the experience with nothing more than the occasional minor headache. We recommend you download the free booklet - Travel at High Altitude - from our Useful Links on the homepage. This was written by MedEx, a collective of doctors with an interest in mountaineering and high altitude medicine and provides clear and simple advice on going to altitude.
Q. I would like a single room and tent. Is this possible?
A. Accommodation in Arusha is on a twin room basis with a member of the same sex or a double room where requested. On Kilimanjaro we will be camping with two people in a three person tent. Where possible we can offer the option of a single room or tent (approximately 15 pounds supplement per night).
Q. Is it possible to buy energy snacks in Tanzania?
A. You cannot get energy snacks or drinks in Tanzania so you should bring a supply with you. Gel energy snacks are extremely useful for the summit day.
Q. Is Tanzania safe?
A. Tanzania is one of the friendliest and most stable African countries in which to travel. We support the British government campaign: Know Before You Go. This provides invaluable information on any potential risks as well as lots of other useful information.
Q. What equipment will I need?
A. You will be supplied with a detailed equipment list on booking but you will require the following specialised equipment; 1) Double mountaineering boots (B3) 2) Crampons 3) Ice axe 4) Climbing harness 5) Jumar 6) Four season sleeping bag If you are looking to purchase new equipment team members receive a discount at Cotswold Outdoors and Montane
Q. What happens if I get ill?
A. When travelling in developing countries there is always a risk of illness or accident. Our staff will work hard to reduce this risk to an acceptable level. Our itineraries include extra acclimatisation and spare days in case of inclement weather or illness. This gives us plenty of flexibility to deal with any unexpected occurrences. All our leaders have a current mountain first aid qualification and the expedition will carry an extensive first aid kit.
Q. What is happening to the ice cap on Kilimanjaro?
A. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, Kilimanjaro's icecap receded 55% between 1962 and 2000. The mountain has lost 82% of its icecap since it was first surveyed in 1912. The glaciers are vanishing due to regional warming, most likely caused by global warming.
Q. What is the best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro?
A. Although you can climb Kilimanjaro at any time, it is generally believed that the best months to climb are September and October. It tends to be drier during these months and there are fewer tourists in Tanzania. It is advised to try to avoid climbing during Tanzania's rainy season of March, April and May.
Q. What visas do I require?
A. The following is the latest information we have on file. However it is your responsibility to check with the relevant authorities and ensure you have the correct visa or the means to get one on arrival. UK Passport holders may get a Tourist Visa on arrival but we recommend you arrange this before travelling. Your initial booking pack will contain detailed notes on how to organise your visa in advance. More details can be found at the Tanzanian UK Embassy website.
Q. What will the porters carry and what will I carry on the climb?
A. Porters will carry most of your luggage. You will carry a small day pack that contains your drinking water, rain gear, camera and lunch.
Q. Who will be leading my expedition?
A. One of the most important factors affecting the enjoyment and success of your expedition is the quality of your leader. Activus leaders have successfully led expeditions to all seven continents, they have climbed 8000m peaks, they are active in mountain rescue, they train and assess mountaineering instructors and are out walking and climbing in all conditions across the UK everyday of the year. As soon as your trip is confirmed we will look to appoint a suitably experienced leader who will be in contact with you prior to the trip departing. They are selected on their communication & group management skills as well as their experience and qualifications. Many of our leaders are members of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors or British Mountain Guides. For trekking holidays they may also be a member of the British Association of International Mountain Leaders. All leaders will also hold a Mountain First Aid Certificate. Smaller groups may use one of our regular local leaders. This will be discussed with you prior to any decision being taken.
Q. Why do we make the final ascent to Uhuru at midnight?
A. The final ascent to Uhuru is made at night because of the weather patterns on Kilimanjaro. Clouds begin to roll in almost every day at 10am. If you summit during the day, you run the risk of being caught in snow, hail or rainstorms. The midnight trek to the summit is designed to ensure your safety. You will also have the best views from the top at dawn.
Ask Activus
If you have any questions about this activity please do not hesitate to ask.
Kilimanjaro - Rongai Route - Gallery Images
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