Rongai Route
it is The Rongai Route is the only route on the north-eastern part of Mount Kilimanjaro. This route is gaining in popularity, because the second easiest after Marangu and it has amazing wilderness conditions.
It’s a less steep, less crowded, and drier route due to its north-facing orientation. The route is fast gaining in popularity with those wanting a unique climbing experience.
Arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be picked up by our representative to your hotel in Arusha town where you will meet your mountain guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gears.
Elevation: 1,950 meters – 2,620 meters
After breakfast at the Hotel, start drive to Marangu Gate for all Park formalities before being chauffeured a further 70 kilometres on a rough road to the Rongai Start Point. The trek begins from Nale Moru village and follows a gradual and winding trail that first crosses maize fields before entering the verdant rainforest. The first day’s hiking is easy going and you will arrive at Rongai First Cave around mid-afternoon, where you will overnight and having dinner.
Elevation: 2,620 meters – 3,600 meters
Today your hike continues from Rongai First Cave through the rainforest before emerging into the low alpine moorland zone where you will notice the vegetation change to shrubs and grasses. You will then stop for lunch at Rongai, 6km from the First Cave Camp, before turning east to Kikelewa Camp where you will overnight stay.
Elevation: 3,600 meters – 4,300 meters
Today the route is a short one, but involves a steep climb from Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn which sits in the shadow of the magnificent Mawenzi Peak. You will arrive at Mawenzi Tarn in time for lunch and then have the whole afternoon to explore the surrounding area and acclimatize.
Elevation: 4,300 meters –4,700 meters
Following a breakfast, you will have a long but gradual hike from Mawenzi Tarn heading west through the Saddle which is formed between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi, and up to Kibo Hut. The route is dry but provides unparalled views of Kibo. At Kibo Hut you will have your dinner and will go to bed early as you will be awoken around midnight (23:30) ready for your summit attempt.
Kindly remember to prepare your trekking gears including headlamp, camera, insulated water and warm weather clothes before you go to sleep.
Elevation: 4,700 meters – 5.895 meters – 3,720 meters
Your day begins at midnight, after being awoken with a hot tea/Coffee served with some delicious snacks you will begin your ascent in the dark across a rocky path to the first check point, Hans Meyer Cave. We do recommend to have a break here and refuel on an energy bar. The path then zigzags and increases in steepness as you approach Gilman’s Point and takes 2-3 hours
You are now on Kibo’s Crater rim, a huge achievement, Congratulations! Great news you still have a 200 meters’ ascent to trek to the summit, Uhuru Peak. At the Peak you will be able to stay shortly before descending back to Kibo Hut and on to Horombo Hut.
This final day Horombo is a long one from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate. Your knees will be sore from the previous days hike so go slowly and make sure of your footing as you descend down, using your trekking poles to limit the impact on your joints.
At the Gate, the place where you signed in 6 days back, you will now sign-out and receive your summit certificate. Those who got as far as Gilman’s Point but no further will be presented with a green one and others who made it all the way to Uhuru Peak will receive a gold one. Thereafter start drive back to your hotel for a well-deserved hot shower!
