Mountain Kilimanjaro Climbing 7 Days Rongai Route

Mountain Kilimanjaro Climbing 7 Days Rongai Route

Rongai Route:

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 north side receives less precipitation).

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 To Simba Camp

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
This morning we will drive to the village of NaleMuru 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 on route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m. With extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Simba Camp

Day 2: Simba Camp To Rongai 2nd Cave Camp

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave, (3,450m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After hot lunch we have a free time to rest at the camp or in the afternoon we can explore the surrounding area for acclimatization walk to Third Cave.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Rongai 2nd Cave Camp

Day 3: Rongai 2nd Cave Camp To Kikelewe Camp

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Leaving the pine forest behind, we carry on with a steady ascent walking though moorland. There are superb views of the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanoes which form the mountain.

We will leave the main trail and strike out across moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the second of Kilimanjaro's volcanoes. We will set up camp today in the sheltered valley near Kikelewa caves at 3630m

Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Kikelewe Camp

Day 4: Kikelewe Campo To Mawenzi Tarn Hut

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
This morning we have a short but steep ascent up grassy slopes which is rewarded by a superb view of the Kenyan plains to the north.

We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut directly below the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. This afternoon you have chance to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Mawenzi Tarn Hut

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut To Kibo Hut

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
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!
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Kibo Hut

Day 6: Kibo Hut To Uhuru Peak & Down To Horombo Hut

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
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.

Duration: 15 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Horombo Hut

Day 7: Horombo Hut To Marangu Gate

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
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.

Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. A vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi, where it is definitely time for celebration!

Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Hotel