We avoid the crowded Marangu route on Kilimanjaro,
preferring to approach the mountain from the north by the lightly-used
Rongai route. The Rongai route starts just south of the Kenya-Tanzania
border and has been almost unused for many years because the area
was considered “sensitive”. Now open for climbing once
again, experienced guides consider this ascent route to be easier
than the main Marangu Trail. It is the shortest distance of all
the climbing routes and has a gentle gradient. If you want a five
day climb, Rongai gives the best possible chance of acclimatisation
since the route can be walked slowly and is (relatively!) easy.
The trek starts in attractive farmland and delightful pine forest
and ends in Marangu amidst coffee and banana plots that shelter
houses made from mud or stone; which gives a very varied picture
of rural lifestyles at the base of Kilimanjaro.The route itself
retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness, with the possibility of
wildlife viewing, and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro
by approaching it from the north.
Day 1
After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu
National Park gate, we transfer by Landrover to Rongai. The climb
begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950 m.)
on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes
before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently,
but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of
wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These
monkeys are black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair and
a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first
camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m.) with extensive
views over the Kenyan plains. [3-4 hours walking]
Day 2
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’
(3,450 m.) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on
the crater rim. After lunch, we continue through the moorland zone,
with the vegetation thinning, and the huge bulk of Kibo suddenly
seems to be very close , especially from our camp at ‘Third
Cave’ (3,900 m.) [6-7 hours walking]
Day 3
The steady ascent continues, soon reaching the lunar desert of the
‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo. We may be fortunate
enough to see the herd of eland that inhabit this area. We should
reach Kibo campsite (4,700 m.) at the bottom of the Kibo Crater
wall by midday. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation
for the final ascent before a very early night! [4-5 hours walking]
Day 4
We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding,
part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly
in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree
to each the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685 m.) We will
rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over
Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour
round trip to the true summit of Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.) passing close
to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most
of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m.) is surprisingly
fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to our
final campsite at Horombo (3,720 m.) [11-15 hours walking]
Day 5
A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.),
the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue
descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National
Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m.). [5-6 hours walking]
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Tanzania
has one of the largest areas of protected lands in the world. It
houses the largest Game Reserve on the continent (Selous) and its
most famous national park (the Serengeti), not to mention the famous
Ngorongoro Crater considered being the eighth wonder of the world.
Here you can experience the landscapes which have captivated the
minds of millions of people. 
Tanzania is endowed with some of the most diverse and picturesque landscape. Its towering mountains in the North are some of the highest mountains in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest point, is a great extinct volcano 5,895m (19,345ft) above sea level. Rift Cross can take you to the roof of Africa - Kilimanjaro and to the tops of other attractive mountains such as Meru and Oldoinyo lengai. Climbing these volcanoes is an incredible but manageable challenge. For travelers seeking adventures off the beaten track and spectacular views, these are ideal destinations.
The
white and golden sands of East Africa’s beaches are deservedly
world famous. They are soaked in sun all year round, and surrounded
by coral reef and the exotic scenery of the Indian Ocean. A rest
on a Tanzanian beach will leave you refreshed, restored and intrigued.
Walking through the narrow, twisting streets of Zanzibar’s
Stone Town plunges you into the past.
To many people tourism is confined to the wildlife destination, mountain trekking and beach relaxation. Rift Cross goes beyond the limits by taking you to experience the richest and most diverse cultures of people who follow ancient traditions –yet engaging on their own terms, with a globalizing world. Let us take you to visit these peoples, their homes and villages.