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Kilimanjaro Routes » |
Marangu
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Machame
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Rongai
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Shira
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Umbwe| |
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Rongai Route6 days 5 nights.
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Day 1:
After completing the necessary registration
formalities at Marangu National Park gate we
transfer to Rongai. The climb begins from the
attractive wooden village of Nare Moru, on a small
path that wind through fields of maize and potatoes
before entering pine forest. The track then starts
to climb consistently, but gently through attractive
forest that shelter a variety of wildlife, including
the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These
monkeys are black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair
and flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin
out and the first camp is at the edge of the
moorland zone 2600m with extensive views over the
Kenyan plains. (3-4 hrs walking).
Day 2:
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the second
cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice
fields on the crater rim. After lunch we leave the
main trail and strike out across the moorland on a
smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi.
The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant
ground cells or senecios near Kikelelwa caves 3600m,
6-7 hrs walking.)
Day 3:
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded
by superb all round views and a tangible sense of
wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly
before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn hut
Camp 4330m, 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. (3-4
hrs walking)
Day 4:
We cross the lunar desert of saddle between Mawenzi
and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite 4700m at the bottom
of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is
spent resting in the tents preparing for the final
scent. (4-5 hrs walking).
Day 5:
We will start the final, and by the far the steepest
and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight
around 11pm.We plod very slowly in the darkness on a
switch back trail through loose volcanic scree to
reach the crater rim at Gillman’s point 5685m, we
will rest there for a short time to enjoy the
spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are
still feeling strong can make the 2 hour round trip
to Uhuru peak 5895m, passing close to the
spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still
occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo
4700m is surprisingly fast and, after some
refreshments, we continue the descent to reach our
final campsite at Horombo 3700m, 11-15 hrs walking.
Day 6:
A steady descent takes as down through moorland to
Mandara Hut 2700m the first stopping place of the
Marangu route. We then continue descending through
lovely lush forest on good path to the National Park
gate at Marangu, 5-6 hrs walking and transfer to
arush for hot shower, lunch and rest. Eraly diiner
and transfer to airport to fly home.. |
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