Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via The Rongai Route

Less crowded because of its remote location the route offers trekkers a unique wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant, and buffalo. As there is typically less moisture on this side of the mountain you are less likely to encounter rain and have more unclouded views of the peak.  While it is flatter, it does not give the climb high sleep low option and therefore recommended to select more days for acclimatization.

The Rongai route is one of the easier routes up Kilimanjaro. Rongai is the only route to approach Kilimanjaro from the north and the descent is via the Marangu Route. Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep and follows the same path taken by the Marangu route which passes Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak.

There are several variations; the one described is a longer route taken in Mawenzi Tarn.

Duration: 5 or 6 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Very good
Traffic: Low

DAY 1: NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP: 7K /4.3MI | 3-4 HRS | RAINFOREST

Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
Altitude gained: 638m

Departing from Moshi a 4-5 hour drive will take you through the coffee plantations and Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery, and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife you are likely to see. Simba camp sits near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone with spectacular views of the plains of Kenya.

DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP: 5.8KM/3.6MI | 5-6HRS | MOORLAND

Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11440ft
Altitude gained: 852m

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we continue along the moorland terrain on a consistent ascending path. You will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.

DAY 3: SECOND CAVE CAMP – KIKELEWA CAMP: 5.95KM/3.7MI | 2-3HRS | SEMI-DESERT

Elevation: 3487m/11,440ft to 3675m/12057ft
Altitude gained: 188m

After breakfast and packing, you continue your steady ascent across the Moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Easter ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness.

DAY 4: KIKELEWA CAMP- MAWENZI TARN: 3.75KM/2.3MI | 3-4HRS | SEMI DESERT

Elevation: 3487m/11440ft to 4302m/14114ft
Altitude gained: 627m

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 Tarn, 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.

DAY 5: MAWENZI TARN – KIBO HUT: 8.9KM /5MI | 4-5HRS | ALPINE DESERT

Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 4714m/15,466ft
Altitude gained: 412m

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 on Summit Night.

DAY 6: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4KM /2.5 MI UP | 5-7HRS | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75KM /9.8MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT

Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 721m
Descent to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude lost: 2174m

Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused of the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.

Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.

DAY 7: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – ARUSHA: 20KM/12.5MI |6-7HRS | RAINFOREST

Elevation: 3721m/12,208 to 1905m/6250ft
Altitude lost: 1816m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!!

INCLUDED IN THE TREKKING PACKAGE:

• Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
• Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
• Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
• Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
• Airport Transfers
• Meals according to the itinerary
• Drinking water and Full Board Meals
• All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits, and VAT
• Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
• Gate Transfers
• Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
• Portable Private Toilet and Porter
• Quality Imported Equipment

EXCLUDED FROM TREKKING PACKAGE:

• Flights
• Visa fees
• Travel  or Medical Insurance  is required and you should ask for Recommendations
• Gamow Bag
• Medication
• Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
• Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
• Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
• Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
• Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain are $150 per room