7 Days Rongai Route

OVERVIEW

The Rongai Route is the only trail ascending from the remote northern side of Kilimanjaro, starting close to the Kenyan border and rising high ‘Above the African Plains’, offering a fantastic sense of wilderness. Rongai lies in the rain shadow of the mountain, meaning your hike is less likely to be affected by adverse weather. From early in the trek Kibo, the summit cone, looms dramatically overhead. Our itinerary includes an acclimatisation day, since the topography on this side of Kilimanjaro does not lend itself to climbing high and sleeping low. Camp below the imposing jagged peak of Mawenzi and enjoy a relaxed morning before undertaking an acclimatisation hike. You cannot fail to be awe inspired as you cross the vast, open saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Physically the route is considered easier than some trails, until you reach the high camp where there is a marked increase in difficulty as you climb steeply to the crater rim. Scramble over Jamaica Rocks and pop out on the rim at Gilman’s Point. Descent is via the Marangu Route.

Day 1: Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp

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.

(1990m / 6529ft) to (2625m / 8612ft)

Distance: 8km / 5mi

Duration: 4 – 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation: Simba Camp

Day 2: Simba Camp to 2nd Cave Camp

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.

(2625m / 8612ft) to (3480m / 11417ft)

Distance: 5km / 3.1mi

Duration: 3 – 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation: 2^nd Cave Camp

Day 3: 2nd Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

Leaving the pine forest behind 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.

(3480m / 11417ft) to (3630m / 11909ft)

Distance: 5km / 3.1mi

Duration: 3 – 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut

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.

(3630m / 11909ft) to (4310m / 14140ft)

Distance: 8km / 5mi

Duration: 4 – 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut

After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.

(4310m / 14140ft) to (4700m / 15420ft)

Distance: 8km / 5mi

Duration: 5 – 6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Day 6: Kibo Hut to UHURU PEAK down to Horombo Hut

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 (17126ft), 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 (19340ft). 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.

(4700m / 15420ft) to (3700m / 12139ft)

Distance: 22km / 13.7mi

Duration: 12 – 15 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

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.

(3700m / 12139ft) to (1860m / 6102ft)

Distance: 20.8km / 12.9mi

Duration: 7 – 8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation: Weruweru River Lodge.

Climbing Cost Includes

2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (before & after climb)
Group transport to and from Moshi to the trail head
Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees, rescue fees and Value Added Tax (VAT)
Expert guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
Bottled oxygen, for emergency rescue only
Four season, 3 person mountain tents, double occupancy
Sleeping pad, foam, 1.5 inches thick
Mess tents, tables, chairs, lanterns
Fresh, nutritious meals on the mountain
Breakfast at hotel