There is so much more to the »Kili« than just its summit. A journey up its slopes takes you on a climatic world tour from the tropics to the Arctic. The grassy slopes turn to lush rainforest; above »the tree line« is heath and moorland, dominated by giant heathers; then almost lunar landscape of an alpine desert and finally the top of the continent, covered by ice and snow.
Rongai Route is an excellent alternative to the Marangu Route or you can just combine both of them! It is scenic and technically easy route and usually it is done in six days (five nights). Although the walking on Rongai Route is quite strenuous, it is gaining popularity because of its unspoiled wilderness atmosphere. The main disadvantages are the longer journey to the starting point, which is on the northern side of the mountain near Tanzania-Kenya border, and higher transportation costs. For descent Marangu Route is used.
Note:
Accommodation is in tents. Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is a serious attempt and proper acclimatization is important. An extra day for acclimatization will increase your chances to summit the mountain.
