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Kilimanjaro Trek: Rongai Route

Overview

As one of the least frequented of all the official Mt Kilimanjaro routes, the Rongai Route offers a strenuous trek at a gradual and steady incline, through virgin wilderness and awe-inspiring scenery.

As the only route that approaches Mt Kilimanjaro from the North, this is the perfect itinerary for those who prefer to avoid the technical climb up the Great Barranco Wall.

Tour Information

Duration

Availability

Year round

Tour Highlights

Intermediate Hike

Price

Starting from USD 2,432 per person sharing

Duration

6 Days

Day 1

Elevation (ft): 6561ft – 8760ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitation: Rainforest

Arusha – Rongai Start Point – Simba Camp

After breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, you are greeted by your guide and transferred to Marangu Gate in the Kilimanjaro National Park, where you check-in with park staff. After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, we travel in a 4×4 to the Rongai starting point
The hike begins in Nale Moru village from where we take the small winding paths to the entrance of the pine forest
After a gentle hike through the rainforest, we set up for our first night at Simba Camp. The camp facilities include a public toilet and a wooden table with benches for eating (but no huts)

Day 2

Elevation (ft):8760 – 12040
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitation: Moorland

Simba Camp – Kikelelwa Camp

After breakfast, we continue towards Kibo – stopping for lunch at the First Caves
After lunch, we continue the steady trek to Kikelewa Camp where we stop for the night
This is one of the first stops offering great views of Kilimanjaro and giving you a clear sense of just how high this trek will take you

Day 3

Elevation (ft):12040 – 14009
Distance: 4km
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Habitation: Moorlands

Kikelelwa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Today, we begin the short but steep climb up the sloping grasslands to reach our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn
As we leave the vegetation behind, you are rewarded with panoramic views and can spend the afternoon exploring the towering spires of Mawenzi

Day 4

Elevation (ft): 14009 – 15430
Distance: 9 km
Hiking time: 5 hours
Habitation: Alpine Desert

Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Kibo Hut

It’s an early start, as we wake up and head West to continue our trek
Crossing the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo, we reach our next campsite at the base of the Kibo crater wall
It’s an early night as we make our summit ascent in the early hours of the morning

Day 5

Elevation (ft): 15,430 to 19,341 to 12,205
Distance: 22km
Hiking Time: 10-13 hours
Habitation: Arctic

Kibo Hut – Summit – Horombo Hut

We wake up around midnight and begin our trek into the night
The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hand Meyer Cave where we take a short rest
The path then zigzags up to Gilman’s Point which is located on the crater rim. Here, the trail is at its most challenging – it is very steep with lots of stone scree
From Gilman’s Point onwards, we usually encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru Peak – the highest point in Africa and the final stop on our ascent
You’ve reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro – the world’s highest free-standing mountain – and have the splendours of Africa at your feet
Weather conditions on the summit determine how long we are able to spend here taking photographs and admiring the incredible vistas before we begin our descent
After a challenging yet rewarding day, we arrive back to Horombo Hut in the evening to enjoy a well-earned rest and a hot dinner with fellow hikers

Day 6

Elevation (ft): 12,205 to 6,046
Distance: 20km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitation: Rainforest

Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate

A long trek is in store for today as we descend through the rainforest towards Marangu Gate – to experience once again the incredible wildlife and flora and fauna that flourish here
Once you’ve had a chance to revel in the glory of completing your trek, we proceed to take you back to your hotel in Arusha for a hot shower and a well-earned rest