The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, the Rongai route still experiences low traffic.
Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
itinerary
You are met at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, then you’ll drive to Moshi for an overnight.
Accommodation: Park View Inn
Meal plan: Dinner
Hiking Time: 5H
Distance: Approximately 8 kms
Habitat: Forest (Montane)
Register at the Marangu park gate, after which you transfer to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike and beautiful. The first night’s camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 metres. There is a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut.
Accommodation: First cave
Meal Plan: Full Board
Hiking Time: 6 – 7h
Habitat: Moorland
The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelewa 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.
Accommodation: Kikelewa Cave
Meal plan: Full board
Hiking time: 3 – 4h
Habitat: Moorlands
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
Accommodation: Mawenzi Camp
Meal plan: Full board
Hiking Time: 4 – 5h
Habitat: Alpine desert
Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight.
Accommodation: Kibo Camp
Meal plan: Full board
Hiking time: 8h to Uhuru, 6h to Horombo
Distance: Approximately 6 kms ascent, 21 kms descent
Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight.
The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
Accommodation: Horombo Camp
Meal plan: Full board
Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 27kms
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner.
Accommodation: -
Meal Plan: Full Board
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Airport for your return flight or to Arusha to start your safari.
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Cost for Mountain based
Inclusions
Return Airport transfer
Transport to/from gate
All park and Accommodation fees in huts, services of Guide and Porters, three meals per day, on trekking, three liters mineral water for the first day and all camping gears, Accommodation and meals in Moshi or Arusha before and after your safari, water on subsequent days comes from the Mountain and can be purified with tablets, a filter or by boiling
Exclusions:
Tips for Guide and porters, soft drinks, Alcohol, personal items or equipment for climb, flight. Visas, Travel baggage insurance, Laundry.
