Uhuru Peak-Ruta Rongai (P.N. Kilimanjaro)
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 38.01 mi
- Elevation gain
- 12,500 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Difficult
- Elevation loss
- 14,098 ft
- Max elevation
- 19,280 ft
- TrailRank
-
69
5
- Min elevation
- 6,135 ft
- Trail type
- One Way
- Coordinates
- 2866
- Uploaded
- January 29, 2019
- Recorded
- January 2019
near Oloitokitok, Kajiado (Kenya)
Viewed 2348 times, downloaded 46 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
|
ASCENSION TO UHURU PEAK (KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK)
▪ 3-9 / 11/2018
ASCENSION TO THE ROOF OF AFRICA BY RUTA RONGAI AND DESCENT BY RUTA MARANGU (ALTERNATIVE)
Extraordinary adventure in Tanzanian lands in which we reach the roof of Africa (5,895 meters high) by the route Rongai accessing the entrance of the Park from Moshi.
An adventure of mountains and people, by the knowledge acquired through coexistence with friendly and happy people, with conditions and a philosophy of life very different from ours of the so-called Old World. We consider if those who belong to the Old World will not be them by showing us their connection with Nature, with Mother Earth, and their respect, knowledge and recognition of the essence of the environment.
To this adventure we add, in other tracks that we will share, transit, amazement and submission through the National Parks of Lake Manyara and the Serengeti, by the Conservation Area of the Ngorongoro Crater and by Zanzibar Island.
To try to climb to the highest point in Africa and achieve it, we chose the Ruta Rongai, a lonely, long route that, due to landing at the beginning of the rainy season, was the one that suited us best. The choice of itinerary, added to the success of knowing how to find an excellent team of professionals -composed by 2 guides, 5 guide assistants, cook and waiter with their respective assistants, responsible for cleaning of latrines and assistant, maid and assistant, 5 porters of top and 29 porters of trek- who put the soul, knowledge and their trade at the service of 12 expedition members, allowed these last passionate of nature, mountain and adventure to achieve the goal, with many reservations a priori as they send the canons , but with only legs, effort, admiration, discipline and humility.
ITINERARY:
PREVIOUS DAY:
KLM flight with stopover and overnight in Amsterdam.
Disembark at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi. Checking in hotel and overnight.
DAY 1:
General briefing and trip to the Kilimanjaro National Park.
A Rongai Gate arrived by minibus from Moshi on the Arusha-Himo Rd.
Checking, lunch at Rongai Gate and trekking to Simba Camp, dinner at camp and overnight (4.5 km / 2385-2662 / +332 -81).
It is a short stage in which we begin crossing the tropical forest, absorbed by the exuberant vegetation that we find on our way.
Although the signpost in Rongai Gate marks 7 kms. (3 hrs.) To Simba Camp, we travel 4.5 km. and just over 2 hours on the move.
Upon reaching the camp the Mawenzie (5150) begins to show us its superb silhouette of volcanic cliffs. It will be our travel companion during the seven days of travel.
DAY 2:
Trekking to Second Cave Camp (5.7 km / 2662-3500 / +853 - 15).
The distance sign in Simba indicates 8 kms. (3 hrs.) To Second Cave Camp. Our GPS records 5.7 km. at 2:20 hrs. of movement.
The immense mass of Kilimanjaro appears in front when you look up from the ground with the first steps, starting the journey through the paramo area, leaving behind the tropical forest.
The weary rhythm and the short distances traveled in each stage, sometimes, led us to despair. When we reached Kibo Hut and the summit we realized that, together with a good hydration, they were premises to reach the top in optimal physical and psychological conditions. Polepole (slowly) was the slogan of the team of guides and companions to reach the goal, something we came to understand as a philosophy of life, being imbued with it, with infinite gratitude, the DNA of the group.
Lunch at the camp, medical examination, visit to Second Cave, dinner, briefing and overnight.
DAY 3:
Trekking to Third Cave Camp (3.4 km / 3500-3972 / +490 -18).
On this occasion the camp poster indicates 3 kms. (3 hrs.) To Third Cave Camp, in good approximation to our 3.4 kms. and 1:45 hrs. moving.
The itinerary continues crossing the paramo.
At this stage we began to become aware, during hydration stops, that we are approaching 4000 meters, when we look back and appreciate that many clouds are below us and that there is no trace of the tropical forest.
Lunch at the camp, medical examination, acclimatization walk on the way to School Hut (1.8 km / 3972-4115 / +153 - 153), dinner, briefing and overnight.
DAY 4:
Trekking to Kibo Hut (5.4 km / 3972-4749 / + 815 - 51).
There is no indication of distance to Kibo Hut. Yes to School Hut, an exaggerated 10 km. that should not even reach half.
The vegetation begins to disappear somewhat above 4000 m.
Until we reach the control cabin of our Base Camp, where we check individually, we use a little more than 2:30 hrs.
Lunch at the camp, medical examination, review of material for the summit, dinner, briefing and overnight.
DAY 5 (SUMMIT):
Ascent to Uhuru Peak (5895) via Gilman's Point (5685), Stella Point (5756) and descent to Kibo Hut (9.5 km / 4749-4749 / +1254 - 1254).
6 hours and 6 km are indicated. to the top. Although we climbed very slowly through this alpine desert to avoid fatigue and pájaras, it becomes clear that the calculations of space and time are not the strength of the managers of the Park.
Departure at 1:30 and summit at 10:45 with a long and tasty stop at Gilman's Point, with the glaciers north of the crater on the other side of the caldera.
The climb becomes long with some mental daze, with a steep slope and an endless zigzag.
Around 4:30 the first lights begin to dye the universe red with a Venus rising faster than us, looking for the zenith of the Mawenzie, until disappearing at dawn.
From Gilman's Point, 2 kms. and 2.5 hrs. to Uhuru.
Hurried descent, lunch and dinner at camp and overnight.
DAY 6:
We left Kibo Hut for Marangu route that we traveled for 1.5 kms., To leave it in that crossroads and continue crossing the plain The Saddle towards Mawenzie. At the second detour to Mawenzi Hut, we started the descent towards Horombo Hut, going through Zebra Rocks and several areas of kilimanjari senecio.
The Saddle is the vast hill that connects Kibo with Mawenzie, diffusing itself as such in the immensity of the place.
Up to Horombo Hut: 10.5 km. / 4749-3733 / +145-1145.
Afterwards, I walk around the complex looking for retreat and inspiration to internalize the deed.
Lunch and dinner in camp, protocol meeting of tips and blessings, on the floor of the heliport, with the 49 heroes of the mountain team, briefing and overnight.
DAY 7:
Descent to Marangu Gate through the tropical forest again via Marangu route (19.5 km / 3733-1881 / +607 - 2410), lunch at Marangu Gate and return by minibus to Moshi.
............................
I say goodbye reciting something I heard in a documentary and that moved me while I dreamed of seeing the old snows of Kilimanjaro one day:
"Kilimanjaro is a place where ordinary people come to do something extraordinary."
I hope you like this extraordinary adventure that for many of us has meant much more than a dream fulfilled.
GOOD WAY !!!
RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Vaccines: Yellow Fever, Typhoid Fever (Vivotif®) and Malaria (Malarone®). The first is the only one necessary to enter the country, where we are requested to register in the vaccination card issued in the corresponding Provincial Center.
• Hydration: 4 liters of water daily.
• Height sickness: Edemox, with preventive treatment or at the first symptoms (I did not take it). Check with your doctor.
• Canes, light trekking equipment and high mountain equipment.
• Insect repellent for the first hours of the morning and at night: Halley®.
• 25% permethrin solution for spraying clothes and mosquito nets. Take into account, in both cases, the volumes allowed by the airlines for the transport of liquids in the cabin.
• Debit card, credit card, local currency (Tanzanian shilling), US dollars and euros.
Upon arrival at the airport and after collecting luggage there is a currency exchange office with a very good exchange rate.
• Stella Maris Lodge / Moshi
(They also have a currency exchange service).
• eTrip Africa
▪ 3-9 / 11/2018
ASCENSION TO THE ROOF OF AFRICA BY RUTA RONGAI AND DESCENT BY RUTA MARANGU (ALTERNATIVE)
Extraordinary adventure in Tanzanian lands in which we reach the roof of Africa (5,895 meters high) by the route Rongai accessing the entrance of the Park from Moshi.
An adventure of mountains and people, by the knowledge acquired through coexistence with friendly and happy people, with conditions and a philosophy of life very different from ours of the so-called Old World. We consider if those who belong to the Old World will not be them by showing us their connection with Nature, with Mother Earth, and their respect, knowledge and recognition of the essence of the environment.
To this adventure we add, in other tracks that we will share, transit, amazement and submission through the National Parks of Lake Manyara and the Serengeti, by the Conservation Area of the Ngorongoro Crater and by Zanzibar Island.
To try to climb to the highest point in Africa and achieve it, we chose the Ruta Rongai, a lonely, long route that, due to landing at the beginning of the rainy season, was the one that suited us best. The choice of itinerary, added to the success of knowing how to find an excellent team of professionals -composed by 2 guides, 5 guide assistants, cook and waiter with their respective assistants, responsible for cleaning of latrines and assistant, maid and assistant, 5 porters of top and 29 porters of trek- who put the soul, knowledge and their trade at the service of 12 expedition members, allowed these last passionate of nature, mountain and adventure to achieve the goal, with many reservations a priori as they send the canons , but with only legs, effort, admiration, discipline and humility.
ITINERARY:
PREVIOUS DAY:
KLM flight with stopover and overnight in Amsterdam.
Disembark at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi. Checking in hotel and overnight.
DAY 1:
General briefing and trip to the Kilimanjaro National Park.
A Rongai Gate arrived by minibus from Moshi on the Arusha-Himo Rd.
Checking, lunch at Rongai Gate and trekking to Simba Camp, dinner at camp and overnight (4.5 km / 2385-2662 / +332 -81).
It is a short stage in which we begin crossing the tropical forest, absorbed by the exuberant vegetation that we find on our way.
Although the signpost in Rongai Gate marks 7 kms. (3 hrs.) To Simba Camp, we travel 4.5 km. and just over 2 hours on the move.
Upon reaching the camp the Mawenzie (5150) begins to show us its superb silhouette of volcanic cliffs. It will be our travel companion during the seven days of travel.
DAY 2:
Trekking to Second Cave Camp (5.7 km / 2662-3500 / +853 - 15).
The distance sign in Simba indicates 8 kms. (3 hrs.) To Second Cave Camp. Our GPS records 5.7 km. at 2:20 hrs. of movement.
The immense mass of Kilimanjaro appears in front when you look up from the ground with the first steps, starting the journey through the paramo area, leaving behind the tropical forest.
The weary rhythm and the short distances traveled in each stage, sometimes, led us to despair. When we reached Kibo Hut and the summit we realized that, together with a good hydration, they were premises to reach the top in optimal physical and psychological conditions. Polepole (slowly) was the slogan of the team of guides and companions to reach the goal, something we came to understand as a philosophy of life, being imbued with it, with infinite gratitude, the DNA of the group.
Lunch at the camp, medical examination, visit to Second Cave, dinner, briefing and overnight.
DAY 3:
Trekking to Third Cave Camp (3.4 km / 3500-3972 / +490 -18).
On this occasion the camp poster indicates 3 kms. (3 hrs.) To Third Cave Camp, in good approximation to our 3.4 kms. and 1:45 hrs. moving.
The itinerary continues crossing the paramo.
At this stage we began to become aware, during hydration stops, that we are approaching 4000 meters, when we look back and appreciate that many clouds are below us and that there is no trace of the tropical forest.
Lunch at the camp, medical examination, acclimatization walk on the way to School Hut (1.8 km / 3972-4115 / +153 - 153), dinner, briefing and overnight.
DAY 4:
Trekking to Kibo Hut (5.4 km / 3972-4749 / + 815 - 51).
There is no indication of distance to Kibo Hut. Yes to School Hut, an exaggerated 10 km. that should not even reach half.
The vegetation begins to disappear somewhat above 4000 m.
Until we reach the control cabin of our Base Camp, where we check individually, we use a little more than 2:30 hrs.
Lunch at the camp, medical examination, review of material for the summit, dinner, briefing and overnight.
DAY 5 (SUMMIT):
Ascent to Uhuru Peak (5895) via Gilman's Point (5685), Stella Point (5756) and descent to Kibo Hut (9.5 km / 4749-4749 / +1254 - 1254).
6 hours and 6 km are indicated. to the top. Although we climbed very slowly through this alpine desert to avoid fatigue and pájaras, it becomes clear that the calculations of space and time are not the strength of the managers of the Park.
Departure at 1:30 and summit at 10:45 with a long and tasty stop at Gilman's Point, with the glaciers north of the crater on the other side of the caldera.
The climb becomes long with some mental daze, with a steep slope and an endless zigzag.
Around 4:30 the first lights begin to dye the universe red with a Venus rising faster than us, looking for the zenith of the Mawenzie, until disappearing at dawn.
From Gilman's Point, 2 kms. and 2.5 hrs. to Uhuru.
Hurried descent, lunch and dinner at camp and overnight.
DAY 6:
We left Kibo Hut for Marangu route that we traveled for 1.5 kms., To leave it in that crossroads and continue crossing the plain The Saddle towards Mawenzie. At the second detour to Mawenzi Hut, we started the descent towards Horombo Hut, going through Zebra Rocks and several areas of kilimanjari senecio.
The Saddle is the vast hill that connects Kibo with Mawenzie, diffusing itself as such in the immensity of the place.
Up to Horombo Hut: 10.5 km. / 4749-3733 / +145-1145.
Afterwards, I walk around the complex looking for retreat and inspiration to internalize the deed.
Lunch and dinner in camp, protocol meeting of tips and blessings, on the floor of the heliport, with the 49 heroes of the mountain team, briefing and overnight.
DAY 7:
Descent to Marangu Gate through the tropical forest again via Marangu route (19.5 km / 3733-1881 / +607 - 2410), lunch at Marangu Gate and return by minibus to Moshi.
............................
I say goodbye reciting something I heard in a documentary and that moved me while I dreamed of seeing the old snows of Kilimanjaro one day:
"Kilimanjaro is a place where ordinary people come to do something extraordinary."
I hope you like this extraordinary adventure that for many of us has meant much more than a dream fulfilled.
GOOD WAY !!!
RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Vaccines: Yellow Fever, Typhoid Fever (Vivotif®) and Malaria (Malarone®). The first is the only one necessary to enter the country, where we are requested to register in the vaccination card issued in the corresponding Provincial Center.
• Hydration: 4 liters of water daily.
• Height sickness: Edemox, with preventive treatment or at the first symptoms (I did not take it). Check with your doctor.
• Canes, light trekking equipment and high mountain equipment.
• Insect repellent for the first hours of the morning and at night: Halley®.
• 25% permethrin solution for spraying clothes and mosquito nets. Take into account, in both cases, the volumes allowed by the airlines for the transport of liquids in the cabin.
• Debit card, credit card, local currency (Tanzanian shilling), US dollars and euros.
Upon arrival at the airport and after collecting luggage there is a currency exchange office with a very good exchange rate.
• Stella Maris Lodge / Moshi
(They also have a currency exchange service).
• eTrip Africa
Waypoints
Waypoint
13,357 ft
Intersection
Cave
Campsite
Mountain hut
Door
Panorama
Mountain pass
Summit
Comments (3)
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Bonita ruta, y buena manera de ver dos de las vertientes de la montaña. He puesto difícil simplemente por el tema de la altura, ya que el recorrido no tiene ninguna dificultad técnica.
Dos apuntes, que desde mi modesto punto de vista, pueden afectar el éxito de la actividad:
En primer lugar, si no se va suficientemente aclimatado, es recomendable añadir un día extra para hacer un día de aclimatación o bien en el campo Mawenzi, o en el Kibo hut, pero no antes, ya que no serviría de nada. Una buena alternativa para aclimatar, sería hacer un intento al monte Meru, y justo después ir al Kilimanjaro.
En segundo lugar, el día de cumbre los guías parecen obsesionados en hacer que los clientes lleguen a la cima para ver la salida del sol. La salida del sol es totalmente secundario. Lo realmente principal es llegar a la cima en condiciones, y hacer toda la ascensión desde Kibo hut de noche, con esa presión añadida de llegar arriba antes de que salga el sol, no ayuda en absoluto. Yo logré negociar salir a la 1, ya que querían que saliéramos a las 12. Llegué a la cima antes de que saliera el sol, y hacía bastante frío. Una hora más tarde, la temperatura era de lo más agradable. Yo creo que si tuviera que volver, saldría sobre las 3 de Kibo hut.
Olvidé darte las gracias por compartir, Marboré!
Gracias a ti, fili8848.
Y discúlpame, nunca tuve notificación de tu valioso comentario.
¡¡¡ BUEN CAMINO !!!