Rongai Route

Route

Rongai Route

Number of Days

7days/6nights

Max. Group Size

10 Persons

Difficulty Level

Medium

Speciality

Most Scenic

THE MOST SCENIC AMONG ALL THE ROUTES

High Level Facts About this Route

The only trail that starts from the Northern, or Kenyan side of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
The route offers plenty of time for acclimatization.
The route offers trekkers a relatively unspoilt wilderness experience.
You can see large wildlife like antelope, elephant and buffalo.
Its less likely to get stuck in the rain if you are planning for the trekking through this routes.
You are also more likely to get clear, unclouded views of the mountain.
It is flatter than the other Kilimanjaro routes.
It can be hiked on a six, seven or even eight day route.
The seven or eight day Rongai Routes are highly recommended as trekkers have extra days to acclimatise.
Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep and follows the same path taken by Marangu trekkers which passes Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak.
Due to its remote setting the Rongai Route receives the least traffic of all the routes on Kilimanjaro.
The Rongai Route descends via the Marangu trail.

DAYWISE BREAKUP

RONGAI ROUTE ITINERARY

The itinerary below is for a seven day Rongai Route trek. Six day trekkers do not spend an additional day at Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 meters) to acclimatise. Eight day trekkers also stop on day two at Rongai Second Cave (3,450 meters) before proceeding to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters).

Day 1: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)

This morning we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m. Distance covered: 8km / 5mi Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 2: Simba Camp (2625m) to Kikelewa Camp (3630m)

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch at cave camp we carry on with a steady ascent walking though moorland. There are superb views of the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanoes which form the mountain. We will leave the main trail and strike out across moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the second of Kilimanjaro’s volcanoes. We will set up camp today in the sheltered valley near Kikelewa caves at 3630m Distance covered: 10km / 6.2mi Approx. time taken: 6 – 7 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3: Kikelewa Camp (3630m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)

This morning we have a short but steep ascent up grassy slopes which is rewarded by a superb view of the Kenyan plains to the north. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut directly below the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. This afternoon you have chance to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization. Distance covered: 8km / 5mi Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

We leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo After a couple hours trekking, reach this spectacular place, with the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background and our trail to the high camp stretched out before our eyes. Upon reaching our camp the remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation of the final ascent after a very early night! Distance covered: 8km / 5mi Approx. time taken: 5 – 6 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 5: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)

Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut. Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro. Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi Approx. time taken: 8 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 7: Depart Tanzania (see you again)

This day left for your next destination. If you have safari, then might be used to beginning your safari or fly to Zanzibar or fly back home. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time. Meals: Breakfast Included