7 Days Rongai Route

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. Rongai’s ascent profile is very similar to that of Marangu and is one of Kilimanjaro’s easier routes. The climb to the top is gradual and steady. However, unlike Marangu, this route is less crowded and passes through remote wilderness areas. It is probably the only route where seeing wildlife in the first few days is possible.

The route takes 8 days at least to finish, Aesthetically, the Rongai route is splendid because it travels through the remote wilderness area and untainted rainforest. Rongai is a Route that’s perfect for those who wish to avoid traffic and aren’t really confident in their ability to climb over more extreme paths. It is also ideal for individuals who just to enjoy a peaceful hike. Tents are used as there is no sleeping huts like Marangu

DAY 1: RONGAI GATE TO FIRST CAVE'S CAMP
Elevation (m): 1950m to 2600m, Distance: 8km, Time: 4 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest.
We will register at Marangu Park Gate and then drive to the Rongai trailhead and the Nale Moru village. This drive will take approximately 2 ½ hours. Once there we will begin your trek and cross maize fields and climb through a pine forest. This climb is a gentle one on a small winding path. The first night's camp is at First Cave, approx 2,600m altitude.

DAY 2: FIRST CAVE TO KIKELEWA CAVE
Elevation (m): 2600m to 3600m, Distance: 9km, Time: 6 - 7 hours, Habitat: Moorland.
Today our trek continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m), and reaching Kikelewa Cave at 3600 meters. From here you will see how majestic Kilimanjaro is. Tonight's camp is at Third Cave Camp (Kikelewa Caves).

DAY 3: KIKELEWA CAVE TO MAWENZI TARN
Elevation (m): 3600m to 4330m, Distance: 6km, Time: 4 hours, Habitat: Moorland.
Today we start with a short but steep climb up grassy slopes. At the top you will have magnififcent 360 degree views. Our next camp for the night is beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi (4330m).

DAY 4: MAWENZI TARN
Elevation (m): 4330m, Habitat: Moorland.
We will spend an extra day at Mawenzi Tarn to acclimatize. Here we will explore the area surrounding Mawenzi Tarn and then in the afternoon rest as preparation for continuing trek tomorrow.

DAY 5: MAWENZI TARN TO KIBO CAMPSITE
Elevation (m): 4330m to 4750m, Distance: 4 km, Time: 3 hours, Habitat: Alpine desert
Today we cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4750m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The rest of the day is spent in preparation for the ascent. During this time, you will have an early dinner, finish preparing your personal gear and get some sleep.

DAY 6: KIBO CAMPSITE TO UHURU PEAK TO HOROMBO HUT
Elevation (m): 4750m to 5895m, Distance: 6 km ascent/16km descent, Time: 6-8 hours, ascent/4-5 hours descent, Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.
We will wake you up at 23.30 hours, have some breakfast and then at midnight start our ascent. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). We then zigzag up to Gillman's point (5681m), on the crater rim.
This section is very steep with much stone scree and is the most demanding section of the route. From Gillman's Point we could encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. After taking photos and breathing in the views we descend back to Kibo Hut and then Horomobo where we camp overnight for our last night on Mount Kilimanjaro.

DAY 7: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE
Elevation (m): 3720m to 1980m, Distance: 20km, Time: 5-7 hours, Habitat: Moorlands.
This morning we continue our descent, passing Mandara Hut, down to the Marangu Gate. We will then go to lunch and you will receive your summit certificates. After lunch we will drive you back to your hotel and say our farewell.  

Price includes:

• 2 Night accommodation at Hotel – Bed & Breakfast Basis
• All park fees
• National Park approved guides and porters
• 18% VAT
• Accommodation on the mountain (Three-man mountain tents used for two people only on all routes except for Marangu Route as accommodation is in huts.) Stools, a mess tent and hot water for washing are provided on the mountain.
• Meals on the mountain
• Transport from Moshi at hotel to the Starting point of the mountain and return to Moshi at hotel 

Price does not include:

• Tips to driver, porters and guide
• Visas
• Insurance
• Items of personal nature
• Transfer from Arusha per private car hire $100 one way
• Climbing gear – sleeping bags, shoes etc.

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7 Days Rongai Route