RONGAI ROUTE - KILIMANJARO HIKING

The Rongai Route is one of the routes used to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, and it's known for its unique approach from the north of the mountain.

Key Points
Scenic Experience:
The Rongai Route offers a more remote experience compared to other routes, with fewer climbers on the trail.

Acclimatization: While the route is shorter in duration, proper acclimatization is still essential. The longer and higher approach via the Rongai Route provides a unique perspective of the mountain.

Traffic: It’s one of the less popular routes, meaning fewer crowds and a quieter experience.

Overall, the Rongai Route offers a unique and less-traveled approach to Kilimanjaro, with stunning views and a distinctive experience for climbers.

7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking via Rongai Route

Day 1: Hotel to Simba Camp
Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn
Elevation: 3600m/11,800ft to 4330m/14,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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 very early.

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Day 7: Horombo Hut to trail head to Moshi hotel
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Our vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

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PRICE INCLUDES

-Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
-2 nights of accommodation in Moshi.
-Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate.
-Park entry fees.
-Camping fees.
-Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees.
-18% VAT on tour fees & services.
-4 Season mountain tents.
-Double layered Sleeping Mats.
-Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters.
-3 hot meals daily while on the mountain.
-Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek.
-Hot water for washing.
-Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO).
-Government taxes.
-Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter.
-Emergency first-aid kit.

PRICE EXCLUDES

-Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
-Travel insurance.
-Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for extra charges $ 70 for the entire trek.
-Flights.
-Laundry (Available at hotel).
-Personal items and toiletries.
-Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain).
*Tips on Mountain Kilimanjaro are recommended for group sharing as follows:
-Guide $20/guide/day
-Cook $15/day
-Porters $10/porter/day


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