Great Circle Route, Rongai Second Leg - Kilimanjaro
Great Circle (Rongai 2nd Leg) > More in this Category > Mountain Routes > Marangu: First Leg > Marangu: Second Leg > Machame: First Leg > Machame Route: Second Leg > Umbwe Route> Shira: First Leg > Shira: Second Leg > Lemosho Route > Rongai: First Leg > Ridge Route
The second leg of Rongai encompasses The Great Circle Route. This involves crossing between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo through an area known as 'The Saddle'. The landscape along this section of the route is, both barren and rocky. From this vantage point, climbers will be able to clearly observe the daunting peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi, as well as the West and East Lava Hills. The final campsite, School Camp, lies at an impressive altitude of 15,584 feet. Climbers will take a well deserved rest here before beginning their summit attempt early the following morning.
At around 12:30am the final part of the ascent, and indeed the ultimate challenge of the journey will begin. The trail to Gillman's Point is incredibly rocky and zig-zags steeply across the mountain. By this stage, climbers will undoubtedly be suffering from the effects of Altitude and will need to concentrate and persevere if they hope to succeed in their summit attempt. From Gillman's Point, a final gruelling scramble of about an hour and a half concludes at Uhuru Peak.
Successful summiteers claim that the moment they took the final step aboard Uhuru, they immediately felt as though their exhausted bodies had been given wings. Perched quite literally above the clouds, climbers will be given a moment to celebrate their achievement, whilst taking in the sight of the whole of Africa being spread like a blanket at their feet. They will then begin their two day descent using the Marangu Route, which will take them via Kibo Hut and Horombo Hut to their exit point at Marangu Gate.
The Kilimanjaro Experience
