Route Overview
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. 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.
Route Highlights
Trek Duration
6 Days, 5 Nights
Difficulty
Medium
Trafic
Low
Start & End
Moshi - Kilimanjaro
Trekking Itinerary
DAY 1: Nalemoru Gate (6,565ft/1,990m) – Simba Camp (8,665ft/2,625m)
Distance: 8 km/4.9miles
Environment: Montane forest
Time: 3 to 4 hours
After an early breakfast at the hotel, then drive to Nale Moru gate arrive there for registration then after registration, the trek begin to tall cornfields and goes through the pine forest area. The trail ascents gradually and allows hikers to enjoy the surrounding. Midway in the trail, lunch will be saved and resume to Simba Camp at 2625 meters, Porters and chefs will move ahead to set up the tents and prepare drinking water along with snacks. A hot dinner will be served after washing up. The temperature in here may drop below freezing point, so be prepared!
DAY 2: Simba Camp (8,665ft/2,625m) – Kikelelwa Camp (11,980 ft/3,630m)
Distance: 9km/5.5miles
Environment: Moorland
Time: 6 to 7 hours
The Trek goes through the heather and moorland zones with views of Mawenzi and the vast Kenyan steppes which are nothing short of picturesque. Enjoy lunch at Second Cave Camp located at 3450 meters. After taking a brief break, then traverse through undulating terrain and reach Kikelelwa Camp. From the camp, enjoy incredible views after a strenuous day’s climb and experience its peaceful ambiance. This camp boasts with incredible views and after a strenuous day’s climb, relaxes and take in its peaceful ambiance.
DAY 3: Kikelelwa Camp (11,980ft/3,630m) – Mawenzi Tarn Hut (14,225ft/4,310m)
Distance: 6km/3.7miles
Environment: Moorland
Time: 4hours
The typical Senecio vegetation will soon disappear and the scenery will become more barren with the occasional rock formations. In good weather, enjoy the breath-taking views of the Kibo and Mawenzi summits as well as Kenya’s savannah grasslands. After passing a few more rock formations, arrive at the Mawenzi Hut, many trekker rate this as the most atmospheric camp in Kilimanjaro.
DAY 4: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (14,225ft/4,310m) – Kibo Hut Camp (15,510ft/4700m)
Distance: 9km/5.5miles
Environment: Alpine desert
Time: 4 to 5 hours
On a relatively easy path, today’s leg takes you over the Kibo Saddle. A lack of vegetation is characteristic for the landscape here as only a few types of grass and other plant species can survive in this dry area and thin air. Just before today’s destination is reached, one last rock passage has to be conquered. Finally arrive at the Kibo Hut, relax and mentally prepare for the midnight summit stage.
DAY 5: Kibo Huts - Summit: 4km/2.5m - Horombo Huts
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak (19,341ft/5,875m) to Horombo Hut (12,205ft/3,695m)
Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
Wake up around mid night for tea and biscuits, then begin summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). Then continue ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude on the crater rim. Continue to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! Spend a short time on the summit taking photographs before start descent back to Kibo Hut, which takes about 3 hours.
DAY 6: Horombo Hut (12,205ft/3,695m) to Mandara Hut (8,858ft/2,680m) to Marangu Gate
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After a well-deserved breakfast, followed with a big celebration from the mountain crew, full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that tips will be presented to the mountain crew (guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters). After celebration, descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m) via Mandara hut (8,858ft/2,680m) Arrive at the gate, sign out and receive certificates of completion. Those reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates and those reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After sign out then drive back to the hotel accommodation in Moshi for long overdue showers and more celebrations.
Inquire about this Trek:
Price Includes:
- All Entrance fees and Government taxes
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue Fees and all taxes.
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- Transfers from Hotel to Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel
Price does not Include:
- International and local airfare.
- Yellow fever vaccinations
- Passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
- Tips for the support team
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
- Personal expenses eg. beverages, etc.
- Local transportation before and after the climb.