Rongai Route

Tour Overview

There is only one route over the northeastern side of the mountain, Rongai, which is usually a five-night climb. This lesser known track may not be quite as spectacular as the western routes, but it does usually have far lower traffic than the other five-night routes. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. It is generally considered to be the easiest of the quality routes on the mountain. Rongai is the best route for people who are looking for a descent quality experience and are perhaps not absolutely confident about their fitness. 

Tour Type

Trekking

Place To visit

Nale Muru Gate, Simba Camp, Second Cave Camp, Kikelewa Camp, Mawenzi Tarn, Kibo Hut, Summit, Horombo Huts and Marangu Gate

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FULL ITINERARY

Arrival Day

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation . Your head guide will meet you for your briefing, gear check and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.

Day 1: Nale Muru Gate – Simba Camp: 7k /4.3mi | 3-4 Hrs | Rainfores

Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
Altitude gained: 638m

Departing from Moshi a 4-5 hour drive will take you through the coffee plantations and Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery, and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife you are likely to see. Simba camp sits near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone with spectacular views of the plains of Kenya.

Day 2: Simba Camp – Second Cave Camp: 5.8km/3.6mi | 5-6hrs | Moorland

Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11440ft
Altitude gained: 852m

After a good night sleep and a hearty breakfast we continue along moorland terrain on a consistent ascending path. You will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.

Day 3: Second Cave Camp – Kikelewa Camp: 5.95km/3.7mi | 2-3hrs | Semi Desert

Elevation: 3487m/11,440ft to 3675m/12057ft
Altitude gained: 188m

After breakfast and packing, you continue your stead ascent across the Moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Easter ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp- Mawenzi Tarn: 3.75km/2.3mi | 3-4hrs | Semi Desert

Elevation: 3487m/11440ft to 4302m/14114ft
Altitude gained: 627m

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut: 8.9km /5mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert

Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 4714m/15,466ft
Altitude gained: 412m

Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent on Summit Night.

Day 6: Kibo Huts – Summit: 4km /2.5 Mi Up | 5-7hrs | – Horombo Huts: 15.75km /9.8mi Down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit

Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 721m
Descent to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude lost: 2174m

Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused of the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.

Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.

Day 7: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Moshi: 20km/12.5mi |6-7hrs | Rainforest

Elevation: 3721m/12,208 to 1905m/6250ft
Altitude lost: 1816m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!

End of the Trip

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