Trek Overview
The Rongai route approaches Mt. Kilimanjaro from the North, and it is close to the Kenyan border. It is one of the easiest routes to Kilimanjaro’s summit, and it joins Marangu route at Kibo Hut. The minimum number of days required to get to the top using this route is six days, but seven days are recommended.
The sceneries on this route are not as diverse as on the Western routes, but gives to the hikers feel of the sheer wilderness for days, before merging with Marangu route. Rongai descends to Marangu Gate, and it is mildly challenging route, but it is highly recommended for people who are new to the hiking experience.
Nale Moru Gate to Simba Campsite
In the morning, we’ll drive you to Nale Moru, the village which is the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stretch of the hike is going to take you through farmland and pine forest, although you will have the opportunity to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or elephants and buffalos if you are lucky. Your first camp will be the Simba, located on the very edge of the moorland zone, at 2625m.
- Elevation 1990meters to 2625meters
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Simba Campsite to Kikelewa Campsite
The morning hike will be a steady ascent to the Second cave camp which is located in the moorland zone. From here, you will have spectacular view of Kibo and the eastern ice fields dwelling at the crater rim. You will have lunch at the cave camp and then proceed with the hike through the moorland. You’ll be able to see the breathtaking eastern ice fields on the rim of Kibo (the highest of three volcanoes which form the mountain). You’ll then leave the main trail and branch into the moorland on a lesser trail leading to spiked peaks of Mawenzi, the second highest volcanic comb of Kilimanjaro. We’ll set up camp here in the secluded valley near Kikelewa caves at 3630m.
- Elevation 2526meters to 3630meters
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Kikelewa Campsite to Mawenzi Turn Hut
You will wake up to a short but steep hike up the grassy slopes which lead to a rewarding view of the Kenyan plains to the North. By leaving the vegetation behind you will arrive at the Mawenzi Tarn Hut, the camp nested directly below the high cliffs of Mawenzi. Here you will then have a chance to explore the surrounding areas in the afternoon, which would be very useful for your acclimatization.
- Elevation 3630meters to 4310meters
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut
You will leave the campsite to walk across the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ that parts Mawenzi and Kibo. After a couple of hours hiking, you will reach the area where the summit of Kilimanjaro will be majestically stand in the background, and your trail to the high camp will unfold in plain sight. Once you reach the camp, you will spend the rest of the day resting in preparation for the final ascent, after a very early night.
- Elevation 4310meters to 4700meters
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
You will wake up at around 11:30 P.M. for a hot cup of tea or coffee and then get ready for your hike to the summit which will begin at around 12:30 P.M. The temperature at around this time is below freezing. The trail you will take twists upwards through heavy scree towards the Gilman’s point. Once you are at Gilman’s point, will be served a hot cup of tea or coffee to warm you up as you enjoy the breathtaking view of the sunrise.
The hike to Uhuru peak will take about 1.5 hours over a gentle slope around the edge of the crater rim. Uhuru peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. Once at the top, you will spend a short time enjoying the view and photograph your success, before you begin the steep walk back to Kibo hut for lunch and some rest. After this, you will descend to Horombo Hut for dinner and a good night’s rest.
- Elevation 4700 meters to 5895meters to 3720meters
- Distance: 20km
- Hiking Time:13 – 14 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
Horombu Hut to Marangu Gate
After breakfast and the last celebration with porters, you will begin your hike down to Marangu gate where you will have some hot lunch. A car will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation in Moshi.
- Elevation 3720metes to 1800meters
- Distance: 10km
- Hiking Time:6-7 hours
- Habitat: Semi-Desert
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Cost Includes & Excludes
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- All Entrance fees and Government taxes
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue Fees and all taxes.
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
- Transfers from Hotel to Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel.
- Passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
- International and local airfare.
- Yellow fever vaccinations
- Local transportation before and after the climb.
- Tips for the support team
- Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc.
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
NOTE : If you would like to climb another route or you wish to go on safari, or have issues about variations of this itinerary, and/or select a custom date, contact us so we can arrange a private climb or safari based on your specific desire.
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