7 Days Rongai Route
Rongai route
Rongai is the only route starting on the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Though this part of the Mountain is rarely visited by hikers, it is not less interesting than the popular southern and western slopes. We recommend Rongai to all those who like reclusive hiking experiences.
Getting to the trailhead – Nalemuru Gate – usually takes 3-4 hours from Altezza Lodge or Aishi Machame Hotel.
Rongai is also the only route that passes by Mawenzi, one of the three volcanic cones of Kilimanjaro and the third highest peak in Africa. The way back lies through Marangu, and thus you will be able to see both sides of the mountain.
This is one of Kilimanjaro’s easiest routes, and it has become an increasingly popular route in recent years. This route is located on the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro with a variety of spectacular landscapes together with different plants and animals species. The typical duration for this trip is 6 days. However, you can also add an acclimatization day and make it a 7-day climb.
The Rongai Route is more scenic than the Marangu Route and easier than another camping route in climbing Kilimanjaro and the success rate on the Rongai Route is very high. Unlike the Marangu Route where you sleep in huts, on the Rongai Route, you sleep in tents, the porter will have your tent pitched and waiting for you at the end of each day’s trek. This route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border and is one of the least traveled routes. The route merges with the Marangu Route for the summit climb. The descend follows the Marangu Route on the mountain’s southeast side, so you will be able to see Kilimanjaro from many viewpoints.
Day 1: Moshi to Rongai gate 1950m to Rongai Cave 2750m: 9km
Day one begins with a 4 hour drive from Moshi to the village of Nale Muru where the Rogai Route trek starts. The trail begins along a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes and then enters a pine forest. The route then begins to ascend gently through the beautiful forest. The forest begins to thin out as it reaches the Rongai cave, you camp for the first night on Kilimanjaro.
Day 2: Rongai cave 2750m to Kikelewa Camp 3600m: 12km
Your morning’s walk is a steady and gradually ascending trek to the Second Cave camp where you will stop of lunch. You will then leave the main trail and cross the moorland on a smaller path towards Mawenzi Peak. The Kikelewa camp is situated in a sheltered valley near the Kikelewa cave.
Day 3: Kikelewa camp 3600m to Mawenzi tarn hut 4330m: 7km
Day Three is a short, steep climb up a grassy slope, when you reach the top you will be rewarded with an amazing view of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. The vegetation will diminish as you enter the barren alpine desert zone. Mawenzi Tarn camp is situated directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak. The afternoon can spent relaxing in camp or exploring the area around Mawenzi.
Day 4: Acclimatization day
This is your extra day on the mountain, and you will spend two nights at Mawenzi Tarn. You will hike up towards Mawenzi for a splendid acclimatization hike. Then after return back to the camp for lunch, dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn hut 4330m to Kibo Hut 4695m: 8km
From Mawenzi you will again cross the alpine desert zone of Kilimanjaro and the saddle between Mawenzi Peak and Kibo to reach the Kibo Huts at the bottom of Kibo’s crater wall. The afternoon is for resting and preparing for the climb to the summit.
Day 6: Summit Day, Kibo Hut 4695 to Uhuru Peak descend back to Horombo Hut 3700m: 18km
Summit Night! You will be woken at around midnight, for tea and biscuits before setting off into the night. You will ascend over scree and rocks until you reach Gillman’s Point at the crater rim at dawn where you will rest briefly before continuing to the summit Uhuru Peak. This is the most challenging part of the trek for most climbers with the highest chance of suffering from altitude sickness. Take in the view from the summit and ensure you have taken plenty of photographs before starting your descent to Kibo Hut where you will rest and eat. You will then trek across the saddle to Horombo Hut for your final night on Kilimanjaro.
Day 7: Horombo Huts camp 3700m to Marangu Gate 1700m
After your final breakfast pack your bags and descend through the moorland zone to the Mandara Huts. You will stop for and then continue down through the rain forest until you reach the park gate in the early afternoon. Successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. You will then drive back to your hotel in Moshi, for a celebratory drink and shower.
Package includes:-
- Arrival and departure transfers from, to “JRO”
- Accommodation in the mountain and hotel 2 nights
- Meals
- All parks fees, mountain rescue fee, government taxes
- Services for crew team and salary
- Tent highest quality tent Eureka or Mountain hard ware
- Transport to and from mountain
- Emergency oxygen cylinder
- Mattress
Package excludes:-
- Items of personal nature such as passport, visa, travelers etc.
- Tips for the crew
- Medical equipment as hyperbolic chamber
- Portable toilets: available for renting 110 USD/trip
- Note Over weight, extra luggage will require an extra porter, at a rate of 11 USD per bag per day
- Massage we may arrange for 40 USD per person
Health and Safety Guidelines for our Guests and Staff: We understand that we are in unprecedented times and this calls for extraordinary measures. Your safety has always been and will continue to be of paramount importance to us. We have implemented changes to our general procedure to ensure that we comply with WHO recommendations and to offer you the best possible experience in the circumstances. Please read our Standard Operating Procedures.