Μount kilimanjaro Hike: 6-Day Private Μount kilimanjaro Hike - Rongai RouteMulti-day Tours & Adventures

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Μount kilimanjaro Hike: 6-Day Private Μount kilimanjaro Hike - Rongai Route

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About this experience

✔ Quieter, easier & remote
✔ Good acclimatization
✔ Success rate: 86-93%

DURATION: 6 Days trekking, 4 and a half days ascending, 1 and a half days descending
EXPEDITION LENGTH: 70 km/43 mi total
ELEVATION: Nale Muru (1,950 m/6,400 ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft and descent to Marangu Gate (1,830 m/6,000 ft)
OPENING SEASON: Year-round. The best time for climbing Kilimanjaro are the months of January through early March and June through October. The clear skies, great views, and sunshine make for spectacular photo opportunities and comfortable trekking conditions. These are also usually the drier months of the year albeit the busiest
WHO CAN COME: This Mount Kilimanjaro hike is private. Only your group will participate. Kilimanjaro Trekking is suitable for anyone in good health and reasonably fit. Don't underestimate the climb. Train for the adventure.
  • Who can comeMount Kilimanjaro is a hard climb and should never be underestimated. Every year, several hundred people are evacuated from the mountain and about 10 deaths are reported. You're strongly suggested to prepare well, and do the necessary research.

Overview

On this Μount Kilimanjaro hike, the Rongai Route is more scenic than the Marangu Route, easier than the Machame Route, and the success rate is very high. Unlike the Marangu Route where you sleep in huts, in the Rongai Route, you sleep in tents, and the porter pitches your tent for you. Meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside.

The Rongai Route ascent starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border and is one of the least traveled routes. The Rongai joins the Marangu for the summit climb, then you descend the Marangu Route on the mountain’s southeast side, so you see Kilimanjaro from many viewpoints.

24/7 Available Support

For this Mount Kilimanjaro hike, there is 24/7 support. Are you interested but not sure about payment procedures or other safety and logistics issues? Please contact us at support@gofreedly.com

About this experience

✔ Quieter, easier & remote
✔ Good acclimatization
✔ Success rate: 86-93%

DURATION: 6 Days trekking, 4 and a half days ascending, 1 and a half days descending
EXPEDITION LENGTH: 70 km/43 mi total
ELEVATION: Nale Muru (1,950 m/6,400 ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft and descent to Marangu Gate (1,830 m/6,000 ft)
OPENING SEASON: Year-round. The best time for climbing Kilimanjaro are the months of January through early March and June through October. The clear skies, great views, and sunshine make for spectacular photo opportunities and comfortable trekking conditions. These are also usually the drier months of the year albeit the busiest
WHO CAN COME: This Mount Kilimanjaro hike is private. Only your group will participate. Kilimanjaro Trekking is suitable for anyone in good health and reasonably fit. Don't underestimate the climb. Train for the adventure.

Description - What to expect

Mount Kilimanjaro hike Itinerary

◾ Arrival Day
Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel in Arusha or in Moshi for your overnight and briefing by your mountain guide.

◾ Day 1: Arusha/Moshi to Nale Muru to Simba Camp
Your Mount Kilimanjaro hike starts early with breakfast and a briefing. Transfer by Land Rover through many villages and coffee plantations for 4-6 hours to the attractive wooden village of Nale Muru (1,950 m/6,398 ft). After signing in and preparing the porters, begin the hike on a wide path winding through fields of maize and potatoes, then enter the pine forest. Start to climb gently but consistently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin and Simba Camp (2,600 m/8,530ft) is near the “First Cave” at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Elevation: 1,387/915 m to 1,950 m to 2,750 m
Elevation: 4,921/3,000 ft to 6,400 ft to 9,020 ft
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

◾ Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave
Your morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave. En route, enjoy superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Elevation: 2,750 m to 3,450 m
Elevation: 9,020 ft to 11,320 ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland

◾ Day 3: Second Cave to Third Cave
Your continuing steady ascent takes you up to the Third Cave. Closer now, the eastern ice fields on the crater rim continue to draw you upwards. On this day, be careful to notice any signs of altitude sickness.

Elevation: 3,450 m to 3,870 m
Elevation: 11,320 ft to 12700 ft
Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert

◾ Day 4: Third Cave to Kibo Huts
Today, your Mount Kilimanjaro hike continues up to the Kibo Huts at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall, and this is where you join the popular Marangu Route. Plan on doing your hike early in the day, then rest in preparation for your final ascent. Prepare your equipment and warm clothing for your summit climb, then turn in early.

Elevation: 3,870 m to 4,695 m
Elevation: 15,400 ft to 12,700 ft
Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

◾ Day 5: Summit Day! Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts
Wake at midnight to a light breakfast, then prepare for your summit ascent. The goal is to climb before dawn so that you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly after sunrise. Leave at 1.00 am, switch back up steep scree or possibly snow, and reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m/18,640 ft between 5 and 7 am. Here, views of the fabled crater and its icecaps greet you. Another 2 hours of hiking along the crater rim near the celebrated snow take you to Kilimanjaro’s true summit, Uhuru Peak, by 9 am.

You do the beginning of this climb in the dark with headlamps and 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. Slowly slowly, or, “pole,” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

This is Africa’s highest point, and you would have to travel more than 3,000 miles toward the Himalayas to find a higher peak! Be sure to have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends. After your summit stays, descend back to the Kibo Huts, have lunch, rest, collect your things, and re-cross the saddle to the Horombo Huts. Eat dinner and get some well-deserved sleep!

Elevation: 4,695 m to 5,895 m to 3,690 m
Elevation: 15,400 ft to 19,340 ft to 12,100 ft
Distance: 4 km up, 14 km down
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

◾ Day 6: Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate to Arusha/Moshi
Wake, as usual, pack, and descend through the moorland to the Mandara Huts. Have lunch there then continue your triumphant recessional down through the lush forest to the park gate, which you should reach around 2 or 3 pm. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. A vehicle will take you back to the Hotel in Arusha/Moshi, where it is definitely time for celebration!

Elevation: 3,690 m to 1,830 m to 1,387/890 m
Elevation: 12,100 ft to 6,000 ft to 4,921/2,920 ft
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

◾ Departure day - Arusha/Moshi
Depart for the airport or other destinations in Tanzania or Kenya. You may want to end your Mount Kilimanjaro hike with a trip to the beaches at Zanzibar.

Free Cancellation

Free cancellation is available for this Mount Kilimanjaro hike up to one month before the start of your trek

What's included, what's not

✔ Experienced guides and porters (number depending on group size)
✔ All Mount Kilimanjaro Park entry fees
✔ 1-night bed & breakfast in Arusha or Moshi
✔ All camping fees
✔ Rescue fees
✔ Airport transfers
✔ All accommodations on the mountain
✔ 3 meals a day
✔ Experienced cook and all kitchen utensils
✖ International and domestic flights (can be arranged on request)
✖ Accommodation on the last day after the climb (can be arranged at extra cost)
✖ Travel insurance
✖ Tips, drinks, and all items of personal nature
✖ Tips for the guide and the porters
✖ Sleeping bags (can be provided for hire on request)
✖ Mountain gears (can be provided for hire on request)

Bring with you

For this Mount Kilimanjaro hike, make sure you bring appropriate adventure gear that should include a small personal backpack, thick hiking socks, windproof/waterproof pants, and jacket, heavy gloves, heavy winter jacket, water bottles, gaiters (covers the top of boots and bottom of pants), hiking boots, larger backpack for clothes, cold weather sleeping bags, safari-style hat protecting face and neck from sun, headlamp style flashlight, your camera, dried fruit and energy bars, sunblock, malaria pills, water purification tablets, inflatable pillows, and your regular clothes.

Who can come/Other requirements

Mount Kilimanjaro is a hard climb and should never be underestimated. Every year, several hundred people are evacuated from the mountain and about 10 deaths are reported. You're strongly suggested to prepare well, and do the necessary research.

Good to know - practical information

For your Mount Kilimanjaro hike, you should consider bringing with you the following:

◾ Baggage and Sleeping
Large holdall, to contain everything you’ll need while on the trek
Daysack, 25-35 liters, for personal use while on your trek
Sleeping Bag, rated to -10C
Waterproof rucksack liner
Elasticated waterproof rucksack cover. Sleeping mattresses are not required as we provide these for you

◾ Clothing
Sweat-wicking T-shirts/vests – Fleece
Insulated down jacket or similar
Down mittens or similar
Thermal long-johns for summit night
Underwear (briefs are usually better than boxer shorts which gather and chafe)
Very good quality hiking socks and thin liner socks. (We advise that socks should be at least a size too small otherwise they stretch and bunch causing blisters)
Breathable lightweight waterproofs
Waterproof walking boots – Calf gaiters
Balaclava, a Wide-brimmed sun hat to protect the face, ears, and neck

◾ Hygiene
Toothbrush, toothpaste & deodorant
Flat-packed Wet Ones, travel wipes, or similar for personal hygiene on the mountain
Kleenex tissues in plastic travel pouches or toilet paper
Hairbrush/comb
Sanitary products
Lip salve with UV protection
Vaseline, to prevent chafing skin and heel friction blisters

◾ Health
Malaria Tablets (if you choose to take these). Ask your GP. Some anti-malarial courses need to commence several weeks before departure
Sun cream. Organic sun barriers or loose-fitting clothes that cover the skin are regarded by many as preferable.

◾ Documents
Passport (with additional 6 months’ validity after proposed trip return date)
Tanzanian entry visa & Air travel documents
Cash in US dollars or Euro in denominations of $10 and $20 (tipping allowance and local purchases, taxis, meals, etc)
Credit Cards (recommended for eventualities only & obtaining extra cash from ATMs)
Travel insurance documents
Vaccination Certificates (where applicable) – Traveller’s Cheques are not recommended as they are subject to extremely poor conversion rates in Arusha.

◾ Other stuff
Camera and spare memory cards, batteries & charger
Sunglasses with UV-filter lenses
High energy snacks (Cereal bars, dried fruit, and nuts)
Spare contact lenses and fluid
Head torch with spare batteries
Water bottles & Camelbak (3 liters carrying capacity
Water Purification Tablets / Iodine drops
Ear Plugs
Plastic bags (for dirty washing, used wrappers, etc.)
Telescopic walking poles
Mobile phone

◾ Personal Small First Aid Kit
Pain Killers
Zinc oxide tape and small scissors
Compeed blister pads
Immodium / Loperamide anti-diarrhea tablets
Any medication you normally use

Health and safety

✔ Provider complies with local legislation and applicable health recommendations with regard to Covid-19 prevention measures

Description - What to expect

Mount Kilimanjaro hike Itinerary

◾ Arrival Day
Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel in Arusha or in Moshi for your overnight and briefing by your mountain guide.

◾ Day 1: Arusha/Moshi to Nale Muru to Simba Camp
Your Mount Kilimanjaro hike starts early with breakfast and a briefing. Transfer by Land Rover through many villages and coffee plantations for 4-6 hours to the attractive wooden village of Nale Muru (1,950 m/6,398 ft). After signing in and preparing the porters, begin the hike on a wide path winding through fields of maize and potatoes, then enter the pine forest. Start to climb gently but consistently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin and Simba Camp (2,600 m/8,530ft) is near the “First Cave” at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Elevation: 1,387/915 m to 1,950 m to 2,750 m
Elevation: 4,921/3,000 ft to 6,400 ft to 9,020 ft
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

◾ Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave
Your morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave. En route, enjoy superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Elevation: 2,750 m to 3,450 m
Elevation: 9,020 ft to 11,320 ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland

◾ Day 3: Second Cave to Third Cave
Your continuing steady ascent takes you up to the Third Cave. Closer now, the eastern ice fields on the crater rim continue to draw you upwards. On this day, be careful to notice any signs of altitude sickness.

Elevation: 3,450 m to 3,870 m
Elevation: 11,320 ft to 12700 ft
Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert

◾ Day 4: Third Cave to Kibo Huts
Today, your Mount Kilimanjaro hike continues up to the Kibo Huts at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall, and this is where you join the popular Marangu Route. Plan on doing your hike early in the day, then rest in preparation for your final ascent. Prepare your equipment and warm clothing for your summit climb, then turn in early.

Elevation: 3,870 m to 4,695 m
Elevation: 15,400 ft to 12,700 ft
Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

◾ Day 5: Summit Day! Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts
Wake at midnight to a light breakfast, then prepare for your summit ascent. The goal is to climb before dawn so that you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly after sunrise. Leave at 1.00 am, switch back up steep scree or possibly snow, and reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m/18,640 ft between 5 and 7 am. Here, views of the fabled crater and its icecaps greet you. Another 2 hours of hiking along the crater rim near the celebrated snow take you to Kilimanjaro’s true summit, Uhuru Peak, by 9 am.

You do the beginning of this climb in the dark with headlamps and 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. Slowly slowly, or, “pole,” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

This is Africa’s highest point, and you would have to travel more than 3,000 miles toward the Himalayas to find a higher peak! Be sure to have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends. After your summit stays, descend back to the Kibo Huts, have lunch, rest, collect your things, and re-cross the saddle to the Horombo Huts. Eat dinner and get some well-deserved sleep!

Elevation: 4,695 m to 5,895 m to 3,690 m
Elevation: 15,400 ft to 19,340 ft to 12,100 ft
Distance: 4 km up, 14 km down
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

◾ Day 6: Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate to Arusha/Moshi
Wake, as usual, pack, and descend through the moorland to the Mandara Huts. Have lunch there then continue your triumphant recessional down through the lush forest to the park gate, which you should reach around 2 or 3 pm. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. A vehicle will take you back to the Hotel in Arusha/Moshi, where it is definitely time for celebration!

Elevation: 3,690 m to 1,830 m to 1,387/890 m
Elevation: 12,100 ft to 6,000 ft to 4,921/2,920 ft
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

◾ Departure day - Arusha/Moshi
Depart for the airport or other destinations in Tanzania or Kenya. You may want to end your Mount Kilimanjaro hike with a trip to the beaches at Zanzibar.
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