Rongai route begins in the northern side of Kilimanjaro Mountain, 45km from Moshi town or 69km from Arusha. This is one of Kilimanjaro easiest routes, and it has become an increasingly popular route in recent years. This route is located on the northern side of Mt. Kilimanjaro with a variety of spectacular landscapes together with different plants and animal’s species. The typical duration for this trip is 6 days. However, you can also add an acclimatization day and make it 7-day climb. The Rongai route is more scenic than the Marangu route and easier than other camping route in climbing Kilimanjaro and the success rate on the Rongai route is very high. Unlike the Marangu route where you sleep in huts, on the Rongai route you sleep in tents, the porter will have your tent pitched and waiting for you at the end of each day trek.
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 0: Arrival day
When you arrive you will be met at the airport by our driver- with a sign bearing your name, then you will drive to Gold Crest / Green Mountain / Kibo Palace Hotel in Arusha for dinner and overnight. In the afternoon or evening your GMExpeditions Mountain Guide will meet you for a Kilimanjaro climb briefing and Kilimanjaro equipment check
Dinner on your own, overnight at the Hotel
Day 1: Arusha to Rongai Gate (Nalemoru)(2364m) to Simba Camp(2671m)
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nalemoru. After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Dinner and Overnight at Simba Camp.
Hiking time: 3-4 hours.
Distance: 7km.
Habitat: Montane Forest.
Day 2: Simba Camp(2671m) to Second Cave (3450m)
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Dinner and overnight at Second Cave (3450m).
Trekking time: 3-4 hours.
Distance: 8km.
Habitat: Moorland.
Day 3: Second Cave (3450) to Kikelewa Camp (3600)
Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.
Dinner and Overnight at: Kikelewa Camp.
Distance: 9km.
Walking Time: 6 hours.
Habitat: Semi-desert.
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp (3600) to Mawenzi Turn Hut (4315)
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Turn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.
Dinner and Overnight at :Mawenzi Turn Hut (4315).
Distance: 3km.
Walking Time: 2 hours.
Habitat: Semi-desert.
Day 5: Mawenzi Turn (4315) hut to Kibo Hut (4720)
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early.
Dinner and Overnight at: Kibo hut
Distance: 9km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Kibo Hut (4720) to Summit and Horombo Hut (3720)
Very early in the morning (midnight about 1 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elevation 5700m). Continuing ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Dinner and Overnight at : Horombo Hut (3720m)
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down.
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Day 7: Horombo Hut (3720) to Marangu Gate (1879), to Arusha
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Our vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your Hotel in Arusha.
Dinner on your own, overnight at the Hotel.
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Day 8 – Departure Day
Our packages include departure day services. Enjoy breakfast and a morning sightseeing in the city or join us for one of our Safari Adventures. If you are returning home our driver will bring you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to catch your flight home.
