7 Days Rongai Route

Tour Overview

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience. The Rongai Route rises above the Amboseli plains and approach the summit of Kilimanjaro west of the Mawenzi peak. The descent normally uses the Marangu Route. There are two variations to this route. The former is longer and more popular. The gentle gradient and its gradual acclimatization bring one safely to the highest point of Africa – Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru peak, at 5,895 m. Rongai Route boasts high success rates of 84 and 94 percent on 6 and 7-day climbs, respectively. Rongai is great for travellers with previous exposure to high altitude and offers an escape from fellow-climbers, as it requires the longest drive before reaching the park gate.

Highlights

Rongai Route 7 Days is the only one approach Kilimanjaro from the north just at the Kenyan border.
It will take you past the second-highest point in Tanzania – Mawenzi while offering bird’s-eye views of the mountain’s rainforest.
It is an unfrequented route and is also the easiest camping approach to Uhuru Peak.
You can choose to attempt the summit via Mawenzi Tarn Hut or via School Hut which is also referred to as the Outward Bound Hut.
Prior acclimatization is recommended in order to attempt the latter successfully.

Tour Itinerary

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. About halfway up the trail you will have a lunch break and you will reach the First Caves Camp in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef who move very fast up the mountain will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served followed by overnight.Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.

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.Proceed with the hiking very slowly acclimatize your body until you reach Second cave (3450M) for hot lunch.

After breakfast then continues up towards Kibo, reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find some. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves).

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. This afternoon you have chance to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization. Hot dinner and washing water will be prepared for hikers as they enjoy the magnificent sunset.

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. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!

Our guide will wake you up around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow-covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours.At Kibo Hut, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m). You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a strenuous day.

Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, you will drive back to Moshi for long overdue showers and more celebrations.

Includes

Park fees and concession

All activities

All accommodation as stated in the itinerary

A professional driver/guide

All transportation

All Taxes/VAT

Roundtrip airport transfer

All Meals

Drinking water on all days

Mountain Guide & Porters

Hiking and Safety Equipment

Gear Rentals

Excludes

International flights

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Tips for Guide

Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

The government imposed an increase in taxes and/or park fees

Alcohol drinks

Optional Activities