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Summary
The Rongai route ascends Mt. Kilimanjaro from the north eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of un-spoiled wilderness and offers different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. The topography of the route does not allow for the application of the climb high and sleep low principle and hikers generally suffer more from altitude sickness on the Rongai route compared to the other routes (an additional acclimatization day is highly recommended on this route). The Rongai route use the screed summiting path from Kibo hut to Gilman’s point and descend via Marangu route.
Activities
- Camping
- Hiking
- Culture
Places
- Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Physical Condition
- Normal Physical Condition
Connectivity
- No WiFi but some phone coverage
Day-by-day Description
Day 1Rongai Starting point (1996m) – Simba camp (2626m)
Activities Included
Camping Hiking CultureHiking time: 4 hours Distance: Approximately 6.7 Habitat: Forest (Montane) Depart from Moshi town and drive 1 hour to Marangu park gate for registration. From Marangu park gate we travel to Nale Moru, north east of Kilimanjaro, a further 68 km and approximately 2 hours to reach Rongai starting point (1996m). Meet your guide and porters before starting hike from Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through a beautiful country side. The first night’s camp is at Simba camp (2626m). The camp facilities include a public toilet and wooden table with benches, but not hut.
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
- Transfer
Location
Rongai Gate, Tanzania
Travel Time: 6 hrs
Day 2Simba Camp (2626m) – Kikelewa Camp (3679m)
Activities Included
Camping HikingHiking time: 6 – 7 Distance: Approximately 11.8 km Habitat: Moorlands We hike from Simba camp up toward Kibo till 3482m for lunch at First Caves, a distance of 5.8 km. After lunch we continue trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3679m. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you are on a really big mountain! Water can be found in an obvious stream bellow the cave, although you might have to wonder downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelewa Camp.
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
- Transfer
Location
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania
Travel Time: 7 hrs
Day 3Kikelewa Cave (3679m) – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m), acclimatization day.
Activities Included
Camping HikingHiking time: 3 hours Distance: Approximately 3.7 km Habitat: Moorlands A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views view of this wildness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
Location
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Travel Time: 5 hrs
Day 4Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4303m) – Kibo Hut (4730m), summit overnight.
Activities Included
Camping HikingHiking time: 5 hours Distance: Approximately 9 km Habitat: Alpine desert After breakfast we head west and continue ascending on the east side of the Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking a time of about 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. At Kibo hut you will have hot lunch and spend the remaining hours resting. You will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5681m), which is located on the rim of crater. This section is very steep with a lot of stones screed, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillman’s point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it.
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
Location
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania
Travel Time: 5 hrs
Day 5From summit to Horombo hut
Activities Included
Camping HikingWeather conditions on the summit will determine how long you able to spend, taking photos before the 3 hours descent back to Kibo hut. After a short break at Kibo hut, you gather all your gears you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is about 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later on the evening you will enjoy your last dinner on the mountain, and well earned sleep filled with memories and stirring emotions.
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
Location
Marangu Gate, Marangu, Tanzania
Travel Time: 7 hrs
Day 6From Horombo to Marangu gate, exit the park.
Activities Included
Camping Hiking CultureHabitat: Moorland and Montane forest. After breakfast you continue ascending passing 6 hours passing Mandara Hut to Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended that not to pay tip to your porters before you make sure all your gears are reached safely. At Marangu gate you will sign your name and details. This is also where successful climbers are awarded their certificates according to the point they reach. Those climbers who reach Gillman’s point (5685m) will be awarded with green certificate, and those climbers who reach Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi town for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations.
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
- Transfer
Location
Marangu Gate, Marangu, Tanzania
Travel Time: 8 hrs
Offical Visa Regulations and Health Requirements
For personalized details on health and visa requirements please check the IATA travel centre here
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com
