Rongai Route Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

Rongai Route to Mount Kilimanjaro Climb, you can start this route from both the Tanzanian side of the border or from Rongai in Kenya, but all park fees and arrangements must be made at the Marangu gate. The route may only be used for the ascend and the Marangu route must be used for the descend. The are several big caves along the route, which are used by the porters to overnight for the first two nights.

All transport by private vehicle to and from the mountain Accommodation as detailed on the itinerary. Services of a private mountain guide, cook and adequate porters to carry both trip provisions and client’s private bags. National Park entrance, accommodation and camping fees. All food and catering equipment – breakfasts, lunches (packed when necessary) and evening meals prepared by our own cook. Special dietary requirements are catered for with prior arrangements at no extra cost. Certificate of Achievement /appreciation from us. Free storage of excess baggage not required on the mountain hike. Crisis management apparatus – VHF 2-way radio/mobile phone, basic first aid kit and an on call vehicle. Departure dates: Any time with a minimum of two people. Season: the best times are January to March and June to December. Scheduled group trips: Daily during best seasons.

Travel and personal accident insurance. Visa, passport, vaccinations, medicines. Personal Mountain equipment. Tips. Expenditure on alcoholic drinks, souvenirs and other personal items. Optional excursions not detailed in the itinerary. Additional optional accommodation added at the base hotel or extra days on the mountain added. Treated drinking water other than boiled. Extra costs incurred in case of own intentional change of itinerary while already on trek. Porters to carry excess of 16Kg. personal luggage per client.

CLIMATE: Mount Kilimanjaro is only three degrees south of the Equator so although the climate is technically ‘equatorial’, it is essentially tropical. The long dry season (Jun-Oct) is followed by ?Short Rains? (Nov-Dec). During the short dry season (Jan-Mar) it can be very hot and humid. The ‘Long Rains’ fall Apr-May. On the mountains, temperatures rise and fall only slightly throughout the year but vary considerably between night and day. Temperatures gradually fall as altitude increases. Above 4,000m, daytime temperature is usually around 5C dropping well below freezing at night. BAGGAGE: For your comfort we recommend you travel as light as possible; many airlines impose a maximum weight limit of 20 kg – we advise you to take a lot less! We would suggest : One main piece – soft bag rather than a hard suitcase as it can be easily stowed and carried by porters on the ascent. Pack lightly as space is restricted – max. 15kg. NB: any surplus baggage can be stored in Arusha during the ascent – it is vital not to over pack. Please take only bare essentials for the climb. A daypack – For comfort we recommend a larger daypack or small rucksack with a comfortable harness and waist belt (30-40 litres capacity is ideal for carrying warm clothing, camera, water bottle etc. CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR: It?s essential to keep yourself (and your baggage) dry at all times. Also, to cope with variable temperatures, the best strategy is to layer clothing, so you can adjust your temperature. You should not underestimate the freezing cold conditions you will encounter on the mountain. Although some clothing and equipment is available for hire locally, it?s impossible to guarantee its quality or availability, so equip yourself fully before departure. If you require further advice please contact your mountain climb consultants at: travel@bobbytours.com The following is a suggestion of what you may find useful to take on this trip. It is not exhaustive and a more detailed packing list can also be found at Suggested Mountain Climb Equipments page. T-shirts (synthetic materials are best as cotton retains moisture) Waterproof thigh-length jacket (Goretex or similar) Gloves (waterproof warm outers + thin liners) Warm hat (or balaclava) that covers the ears Waterproof walking boots (well broken-in) Waterproof outer trousers _ Warm mid-layer (fleece or down) Warm long-sleeved shirt _ Warm walking trousers (not jeans!) Thermal underwear _ Walking socks (several pairs) Walking shorts Trainers or soft shoes for relaxing Sun-hat Gaiters EQUIPMENT: Glacier glasses (or good quality sunglasses ? preferably with side shields) Personal first aid kit & essential medication Wet wipes Warm sleeping bag (3/4-season) Sleeping bag liner Trekking pole(s) – can be hired locally Small towel Headtorch & spare batteries Spare plastic bags Waterbottle(s) – minimum 3 litres capacity High factor sunscreen & lipsalve High energy snacks, dried fruit, nuts, sweets, etc. NB: hang on to some till the last day – you?ll appreciate them more! A small bottle of cordial or squash concentrate (to liven up the ?flat? taste of boiled water) MEALS 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 evening meals are included. TIPPING: Tipping is an accepted part of life in Tanzania, and you will be expected to tip to reward service. You will be briefed on arrival as to when and how much is appropriate, however, depending on the size of your group you should budget on a personal contribution of around $ 45 to $ 50 for your trek guides, cooks and porters on the trek. CLIMATE CHART Arusha (1,390m) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Temperature: average high/low C 28/13 28/14 27/15 25/16 23/15 22/13 22/12 23/12 25/13 27/14 27/14 27/14 Rain: average monthly mm 66 77 138 223 83 17 8 7 8 24 119 103