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 (3,450m a.s.l ) before proceeding to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m a.s.l ).
DAY 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro international Airport
You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro and transferred to your hotel in Arusha or 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. Then overnight and dinner in the hotel.
Day 2: Rongai gate( 2100 m) to Simba Camp (2570m)
• Distance 6 km
• Hiking time : 3-4 hrs
• Altitude gained : 470 m
• Habitat: Montane Rain Forest
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.
DAY 3: Simba Camp (2570m) to Second Cave Camp (3450m)
• Distance : 5 km
• Hiking time : 3-4 hrs
• Altitude gained : 880 m
• Habitat : Moorland zone
Continue hiking up to second camp located in the moorland zone. On this day you will have a good view of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim. Then overnight at 2nd Cave Camp (3450 m).
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation : Second cave camp ( in the tents )
DAY 4: 2nd Cave Camp (3480 m) to Kikelelwa Camp (3630 m)
• Distance 6 km
• Hiking time : 3-4 hrs
• Altitude gained : 150 m
• Habitat: moorland zone
Another beautiful day with super views of the eastern ice field on the crater rims of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanoes which form the mountain. it will take us 3 hours to cross the moorland zone on a smaller path towards the jugged peaks of Mawenzi (5149 m) to reach at Kikelelwa for lunch and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation : Kikelelwa camp ( in the tents )
DAY 5: Kikelelwa Camp (3630 m) to Mawenzi Tan Hut (4330 m)
• Distance : 7 km
• Hiking time : 3-4 hrs
• Altitude gained : 700 m
• Habitat: semi desert
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)
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation : Mawenzi Tan hut ( in the tents )
DAY 6: 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.
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation : Kibo huts ( in the tents )
DAY 7: 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 : 7-8 hrs up / 6-7 hrs down
• Altitude gained/lost : 1175m/2175m
• Habitat : Alpine desert/ Summit zone
The final part you will start climbing around 00:00. 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 8: Horombo Hut (3720 m) to Marangu Gate ( 1879 m)
• Distance : 20 km
• Hiking time : 6-7 hrs
• Altitude lost : 1841 m
• Habitat : Moorland / Montane rainforest
The last day you will pass through heath and moorland zone to Mandara Hut (2720 m) where you will have short break. Then continue going down through a tropical rain forest up to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. You will collect your certificates and having hot lunch after completing other park formalities the car will be ready to take you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha where you will have warm shower. It’s definitely time to celebrate!
Meals : Breakfast and Lunch included
Accommodation : Hotel in Moshi / Arusha town
DAY 9: 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 Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park.
END OF YOUR TOUR
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