Rongai (loitoktok) Route
You won't find this route in most guidebooks... This is one of the least traveled routes on Kilimanjaro. Add a night at Crater camp for maximum acclimatization.
What we like BEST about the Rongai climb:
1) Mwenzi Tarn camp.
This is one of Kilimanjaro's most beautiful camps... did you know there was a lake on Kilimanjaro..? The Rongai route is the ONLY route that camps here. It's clean, quiet and breathtaking.
2) It's 'off the beaten path'
Because it's located so far away from ALL the other climbing routes, the Rongai is a unique experience on Kilimanjaro.
Highlights of this route...
Far away from the rest of the climbers, on the quiet - and dry - northern side of Kilimanjaro, lies the magical Rongai route. The remote trailhead is in Tanzania, just south of the Kenyan border, so visas are not required.
The Rongai is a true ‘out there’ experience, that maximizes scenery and allows a finishing day without dust or mud. From open plains and corn plantations at the base to an amazing trip up to and over the saddle between Kilimanjaro and Mwenzi. This is a diverse, quiet route that features warm mornings (the sun hits this eastern facing route and warms you quickly) and the spectacular Mwenzi Tarn camp.
This ‘direct ascent’ trek features shorter hiking days and a good success ratio. It is an exceptionally beautiful route with a remote feel from the bottom all the way to high camp.
On summit day you’ll see the sunrise as you crest the Crater Rim at Gilman’s Point. From here, you’ll continue along one of the most spectacular walks in the world to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa – and the true summit of Kilimanjaro. All climbers sleep in tents and meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside, depending on group size.
Completing your traverse of Kilimanjaro, you will descend down the Marangu Route, on the south side of the mountain. This is one of the least traveled routes on Kilimanjaro, and it provides an excellent variety of scenery, as you will truly see ‘two sides’ of Kilimanjaro.
Summit Day
Our summit day is in the tradition of classic big mountain climbing. Like high altitude mountaineers on Everest, we start out in darkness, climbing headlamps lighting our way.
At this altitude, the African sky is a crystal clear black inkpot dotted with thousands of silver stars. Often, we time our summit attempt to coincide with a full moon, allowing our teams to see clearly, even without a headlamp.
The going is tough, but the reward is life changing. As the sunrise turns the clouds below you a thousand shades of orange and red, we reach Gillman's Point at 5,685m. Then, we move on to Uhuru Peak, 5,896m the true summit of Kilimanjaro. Like the climber in the photo above... this is a moment that you will remember forever.
No technical experience required...
All you need is the desire to stand on the roof of Africa. MountainQUEST will help you prepare with regular support, and instruction from up to 6 months prior to your adventure... right through to the summit. Your camps, your food, and your crew will be to the absolute highest standard available.
Your personal porters...
Your personal porters will carry all of your equipment. You carry a light day pack with water, food, some extra clothing and your CAMERA! All of these factors combine to provide a high summit success rate.
After the climb we descend to the comforts of our mountain lodge… set in a coffee plantation among the beautiful Tanzanian landscape.
MountainQUEST has 20 years of climbing and trekking experience. We invite you to come and climb Kilimanjaro with us!
