The Rongai Route is the only trail that starts from the Northern, or Kenyan side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Because of its remote location the route offers trekkers a relatively unspoilt wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant and buffalo. The North-East side of the mountain gets significantly less moisture than the southern slopes which means that trekkers are less likely to encounter rain. Trekkers are also more likely to get clear, unclouded views of the mountain. The Rongai Route is flatter than the other Kilimanjaro routes but because of its profile it does not offer trekkers good options to climb high and sleep low. It can be hiked on a six, seven or even eight day. The seven or eight day Rongai routes are highly recommended as trekkers have extra days to acclimatise.
Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep and follows the same path taken by Marangu trekkers which passes Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. Due to its remote setting the Rongai Route receives the least traffic of all the routes on Kilimanjaro and descends via the Marangu trail. The itinerary below is for a six day Rongai Route trek. Seven and eight day trekkers usually spend an additional day at Mawenzi Tarn (4,315m a.s.l ) to acclimatise. Eight day trekkers also stop on day two at Rongai Second Cave (3,450 meters) before proceeding to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m a.s.l )
DAY 1: Arrival day
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you be picked up by our Snow Peak Adventure and Safari representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha / Moshi town, afterward your guide will come to brief you about the trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear overnight and Breakfast in the hotel.
DAY 2: Rongai gate (2360 m) to Simba Camp (2670 m)
• Distance : 5 km
• Hiking time : 2-3 hrs
• Altitude gained : 310 m
• Habitat : Montane rainforest/ Moorland zone
After breakfast, you will depart your hotel in Moshi and drive to Nalemoru Gate near the Kenyan boarder, where you start your Mount Kilimanjaro trek. Your first day walk is a gradual ascent through the rain forest. If you’re lucky zebras, elephants, buffalos, monkeys can be seen.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation : Simba Camp ( in the tents )
DAY 3: Simba Camp (2670 m) to Kikelelwa Camp (3630 m)
• Distance :11 km
• Hiking time : 6-7 hr
• Altitude gained : 960 m
• Habitat : Moorland zone
The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) and reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 m. 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.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation : Kikelelwa Campsite ( in the tents )
DAY 4: Kikelelwa Camp (3630 m) to Mawenzi Tan Hut (4330 m)
• Distance : 6 km
• Hiking time : 3-4 hrs
• Altitude gained : 700 m
• Habitat: Moorland/ Alpine desert zone
Today prepare yourself for a short day but steep climb that will take up grassy slopes where you will be rewarded by stunning all round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. The camp it is spectacularly located in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. You have free time in the afternoon that you can either use to rest or explore the surrounding areas as an aid to acclimatization. Overnight at Mawenzi Tan Hut (4330 m)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation : Mawenzi Tan hut ( in tents )
DAY 5: Mawenzi Tan Hut (4330 m) to Kibo Hut (4720 m)
• Distance : 10 km
• Hiking time : 4-5 hrs
• Altitude gained : 390 m
• Habitat : Alpine desert
Today you will cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi to reach Kibo Hut. You will spend your afternoon for lunch and resting at Kibo while waiting for final ascent to summit at midnight.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation : Kibo huts ( in the tents)
DAY 6: Kibo Hut (4720 m) to Uhuru Peak (5895 m) then down to Horombo Hut ( 3720 m)
• Distance : 6 km Ascent /15 km Descent
• Hiking time : 6-7 hrs up / 5-6 hrs down
• Altitude gained/ Lost : 1175 m / 2175 m
• Habitat : Summit/ Moorland zone
The final part you will start climbing around 11:30 pm The part is considered as the steepest and most demanding. Your guide will set a very standard pace to you (walk slowly). In the darkness it will take us 5 hours to reach the crater rim at Gilmans Point (5685 m) where you will have a short rest with a cup of tea while you enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Afterwards you continue for almost 1 hour to UHURU Peak (5895 m). You will be passing close to the spectacular glacier and ice diffs that still occupy most of the summit area. After taking photos at the top of Africa you will start walking down to Kibo Hut for a short rest and hot lunch before descending down to Horombo Hut. Overnight at Horombo Hut (3720 m)
Meals : Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation : Horombo huts ( in the tents )
DAY 7: Horombo Hut (3720 m) to Marangu Gate (1870 m)
• Distance : 20 km
• Hiking time : 6-7 hrs
• Altitude lost :1850 m
• Habitat : Moorland/ Montane rainforest
The last day you will pass through heath and moorland zone to Mandara Hut ( 2720 m) and have a short break there. Then continue going down through a Montane rainforest up to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. You will collect your certificates, have hot lunch and after completing other park formalities our car will be there ready to take you to your hotel in in Moshi / Arusha town where you will have warm shower. It’s definitely time to celebrate!
Meals : Breakfast and Lunch included
Accommodation : Hotel in Moshi / Arusha town
DAY 8: Departure / other destination in Tanzania
Later in the evening or the next day you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport to board your home bound flight. Also Snow Peak Adventure and Safari can organize an affordable safari trip to one of the best wildlife parks in Tanzania such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater or Tarangire National Park.
END OF YOUR TOUR
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