Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro
Rongai 7 Days Route
Overview
There is only one route over on the north eastern side of the mountain, Rongai, which is usually a five night climb. This lesser known track may not be quite as spectacular as the western routes, but it does usually have far lower traffic than the other five night routes. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. It is generally considered to be the easiest of the quality routes on the mountain. Rongai is the best route for people who are looking for a quality experience and are perhaps not absolutely confident about their fitness.
Map Route
Itinerary
Day 0
Arrive in Tanzania
- You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Arusha town.
- You will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
Day 1
Arusha to Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
- Elevation: 2000m to 2650m / 6560ft to 8700ft
- Distance: 6km / 3.7mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru. After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Day 2
Simba Camp to Second Cave
- Elevation: 2650m to 3450m / 8700ft to 11.300ft
- Distance: 6km / 3.7mi
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
We leave camp and shortly afterwards the forests ends. The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Day 3
Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
- Elevation: 3450m to 3600m / 11.300ft to 11.800ft
- Distance: 9km / 5.6 mi
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.
Day 4
Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn hut
- Elevation: 3600m To 4330m / 11.800ft to 14.200ft
- Distance: 6km / 3.7mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
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 hut, 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.
Day 5
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
- Elevation: 4330m to 4750m / 14.200ft to 15.600ft
- Distance: 9km / 5.6 mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
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 very early.
Day 6
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 4750m to 5895m to 3700m / 15.600ft to 19.340ft to 12.200ft
- Distance: 6km / 3.7mi ascent, 15km / 9.3mi descent
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up, 6-8 hours down
- Habitat: Alpine Desert/Arctic
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly "pole pole" and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Day 7
Horombo Hut to Trail Head to Arusha hotel
- Elevation: 3700m to 1700m / 12.200ft to 5500ft
- Distance: 20km / 12.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Day 8
Kilimanjaro International Airport
After a good night rest and breakfast at the hotel, our transfer vehicle will be ready to pick you up and take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport to connect with your flight back home. But if you wish to extend your program and proceed with safari kindly let us know so that we can arrange it in advance.
Ready for Your Adventure?
What you get
Included
- Your hotel stay - 1 night before and after the climb.
- Airport transfers.
- All necessary permits and fees for climbing Kilimanjaro.
- Rescue Fees for any potential rescue operations during the climb.
- Fresh meals and drinking water throughout the climb.
- Professional Mountain Guide.
- Porters to carry your gear and supplies.
- Comfortable two-room mountain tents for accommodation.
- Foam sleeping mattresses for each climber.
- Transportation to and from the mountain.
Excluded
- Sleeping bags and climbing gear (clothing, shoes, walking poles, headlamp, gloves, and other climbing essentials).
- Tips for the guides, driver and crew.
- Personal Expenses such as beverages, laundry, and other personal costs.
- Telephone, Faxes, Telexes, data or other communication services.
- Travel Insurance (you must be insured specifically for treks above 4500m)
- Flights to and from Tanzania.
- Visas or any other travel documentation.
- Snacks on the mountain.
- Your personal medicine.
Gallery
