Inquire Now

Rongai Route - 7 Days, 6 Nights Trek

Route Overview

Less crowded because of its remote location the route offers trekkers a unique wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant and buffalo. While it is flatter, it does not give the climb high sleep low option and therefore recommended to select more days for acclimatization.
The Rongai route is one of the easier routes up Kilimanjaro. Rongai is the only route to approach Kilimanjaro from the north and the descent is via the Marangu Route.

Previous
Next

Inquire about this Trek

Trekking Itinerary

Day 1

Nalemoru Gate (6,565ft/1,990m) – Simba Camp (8,665ft/2,625m)

  • Distance: 8 km/4.9miles
  • Environment: Montane forest
  • Time: 3 to 4 hours

After an early breakfast at the hotel, then drive to Nale Moru gate arrive there for registration then after registration, the trek begin to tall cornfields and goes through the pine forest area. The trail ascents gradually and allows hikers to enjoy the surrounding. Midway in the trail, lunch will be saved and resume to Simba Camp at 2625 meters, Porters and chefs will move ahead to set up the tents and prepare drinking water along with snacks.
A hot dinner will be served after washing up. The temperature in here may drop below freezing point, so be prepared!

Day 2

Simba Camp (8,665ft/2,625m) – Kikelelwa Camp (11,980 ft/3,630m)

  • Distance: 9 km/5.5miles
  • Environment: Moorland
  • Time: 6 to 7 hours

The Trek goes through the heather and moorland zones with views of Mawenzi and the vast Kenyan steppes which are nothing short of picturesque. Enjoy lunch at Second Cave Camp  located at 3450 meters. After taking a brief break, then traverse through undulating terrain and reach Sikelelwa Camp. From the camp, enjoy incredible views after a strenuous day’s climb and experience its peaceful ambiance. This camp boasts with incredible views and after a strenuous day’s climb, relaxes and take in its peaceful ambiance.

Day 3

Kikelelwa Camp (11,980ft/3,630m) – Mawenzi Tarn Hut (14,225 ft/4,310m)

  • Distance: 6 km/3.7miles
  • Environment: Moorland
  • Time: 4 hours

The typical Senecio vegetation will soon disappear and the scenery will become more barren with the occasional rock formations. In good weather, enjoy the breathtaking views of the Kibo and Mawenzi summits as well as Kenya’s savannah grasslands.
After passing a few more rock formations, arrive at the Mawenzi Hut, many trekker rate this as the most atmospheric camp in Kilimanjaro.

Day 4

Mawenzi Tarn Hut (14,225ft/4,310m) Acclimatisation

Spend a full day at and around Mawenzi Tarn as part of the acclimatization process. There will be plenty to do, and our crew will help arrange short excursions to explore the area. After a short acclimatisation work, followed by lunch, dinner and overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Hut campsite

Day 5

Mawenzi Tarn Hut (14,225ft/4,310m) – Kibo Hut (15,510ft/4700m)

  • Distance: 9 km/5.5miles
  • Environment: Alpine desert
  • Time: 4 to 5 hours

On a relatively easy path, today’s leg takes you over the Kibo Saddle. A lack of vegetation is characteristic for the landscape here as only a few types of grass and other plant species can survive in this dry area and thin air. Just before today’s destination is reached, one last rock passage has to be conquered. Finally arrive at the Kibo Hut, relax and mentally prepare for the midnight summit stage.

Day 6

Kibo Hut (15, 430 ft/4,670m) to (Uhuru Peak 19,341 ft/5,895m)

  • Distance: 6 km/4 miles
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft/5,875m) to Horombo Hut (12,205ft/3,695m)

  • Distance: 16 km/10 miles
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Heath

Wake up around midnight for tea and biscuits, then begin summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). Then continue ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude on the crater rim. Continue to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! Spend a short time on the summit taking photographs before start descent back to Kibo Hut, which takes about 3 hours.

At Kibo Hut, rest the wake up for a branch and continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m) for dinner, wash, and overnight.

Day 7

Horombo Hut (12,205ft/3,695m) to Mandara Hut (8,858ft/2,680m) to Marangu Gate

  • Distance: 20 km/12 miles
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Habitat: Rainforest

After a well-deserved breakfast, followed with a big celebration from the mountain crew, full of dancing and singing.
It is here on the mountain that tips will be presented to the mountain crew (guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters). After celebration, descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m) via Mandara hut (8,858 ft/2,680m) Arrive at the gate, sign out and receive certificates of completion.
Those reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates and those reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After sign out then drive back to the hotel accommodation in Moshi for long overdue showers and more celebrations.

Package Price Covers:

  • Airport Transfers (we pick up you on arrival day, and we take you back after the climb)
  • Transfers from Hotel to Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel
  • Quality Sleeping tents shared by 2 clients
  • Mess tents, Crew tents, Table, Chairs, eating utensils, cooking equipment.
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Kilimanjaro entrance fees/conservation fees
  • Kilimanjaro Camping fees
  • Rescue Fees and all taxes.
  • Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
  • Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
  • Sleeping Mats

Price do not Cover:

  • International and local airfare
  • Local transportation before and after the climb.
  • Yellow fever vaccinations
  • Passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
  • Personal expenses example: Laundry, beverages, etc.
  • Tips for the support team
  • Private Toilet and hot shower tent
  • Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
  • Optional tours not mentioned in this itinerary

PLANNING AN ADVENTURE?
Let us assist you!