7 Days Kilimanjaro Adventurous Rongai Route Trek

7 Days Kilimanjaro Adventurous Rongai Route Trek

Climb Kilimanjaro on the Rongai route used to guarantee you a quiet trek away from the masses. This route is marketed as a remote wilderness experience and for much of the year it still is. However in the couple years Rongai has seen a surge in popularity. If you climb Kilimanjaro on the Rongai route during the main season (August to mid October) and if your climb starts on the usual group departure day, you may find yourself in the middle of a pretty big crowd. Rongai is the easiest route up Kilimanjaro, in some respects easier than Marangu. Rongai has excellent success rates. Rongai is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. You have to descend on the Marangu route on the southern side, so you get to see both sides of the mountain. The northern side of Kilimanjaro is drier. You are unlikely to have to slosh through mud and drizzle on the first two days.

DAY 1: Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave

Drive to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The trek begins from Nale Moru village and follows a gradual and winding trail that first crosses maize fields before entering the rainforest. The first day’s hiking is easy going and you will arrive at Rongai First Cave (2,620 meters) around mid-afternoon.

DAY 2: Rongai Cave to to Second Cave

Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave

We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. You will stop for lunch at Rongai Second Cave (3,450 meters), 6km from the First Cave Camp, before turning east to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters) for your overnight stay.

DAY 3: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

You will arrive at Mawenzi Tarn in time for lunch and then have the whole afternoon to explore the surrounding area and acclimatize. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn.

DAY 4: Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge

Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. Note that: Seven and Eight day trekkers typically hike from Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut and back on day four. They then trek to Kibo Hut again on day five before continuing to Uhuru peak on day six / seven.

DAY 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. At Kibo Hut you will get served dinner and will go to bed early as you will be awoken around 23:30 to begin your summit attempt. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit.

DAY 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit.  At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak. we descend to Horombo Hut.

DAY 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

On our final day from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,870 meters) is a long one, nearly 20km! This long trek mostly downhill will take you through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel.