7 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE KILIMANJARO HIKING

Overview

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season
The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended. Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. This route descends down the Marangu route. Rongai is a moderately difficult route and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: NALEMORU GATE – SIMBA CAMP

This morning we will drive to the village of NaleMoru 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 at 2625m.
Distance: 8km/5miles,
Hiking Time: 4-6hours,
Eleven: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
Habitat: Rain Forest.

DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP – KIKELELWA 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. After lunch we will continue with our hike to Kikelelwa camp.
Distance: 12km/8miles,
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours,
Eleven: 9,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Habitat: Heath.

DAY 3: KIKELELWA CAVE CAMP – MAWENZI TURN HUT CAMP

After the breakfast, we start a short and steep grassy slope hike to Mawenzi Turn hut camp, with stunning view of wilderness area. The landscape will be changing dramatically as exit the Heath zone to Alpine desert zone. You will overnight at mawenzi turn camp situated at jagged spires of Mawenzi.
Distance: 5km/3miles,
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours,
Eleven: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 4: MAWENZI TURN HUT CAMP

Today is acclimatization day of which we spent as few hours hike to Mawenzi Ridge and return to original camp for relaxation. Here you there is unique landscape which offers a motivating view of Kibo and mawenzi. After spending few moments of exploring the area we head back to the camp
Distance: 2km/1miles,
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours,
Eleven: 14,160 ft to 14,400 ft
Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 5: MAWENZI TURN HUT CAMP – KIBO CAMP

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. Upon reaching our camp the remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation of the final ascent after a very early night!
Distance: 8km/5miles,
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours,
Eleven: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 6: KIBO CAMP – UHURU PEAK – HOROMBO CAMP

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, 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. 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.
Distance: 6km/4miles and 16km/10miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours & 4-5 hours
Eleven:15,430 ft to 19,341 to 12,250 ft.
Habitat: Arctic and Heath

DAY 7: HOROMBO CAMP – 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.
Distance: 20km/12miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Eleven:12,205 ft to 6,046
Habitat: Rain Forest