Rongai Route
6 Days
5 Nights
Overview
More Scenic Route
Mount Kilimanjaro via Rongai Route is known to be more scenic than the Marangu Route, easier than the Machame Route, and the success route. The Rongai starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least traveled routes. The Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing via Rongai joins the Marangu for the summit climb, then you descend the Marangu Route on the mountain’s southeast side.
Day to day Itinerary
Day 1
Rongai gate to Simba Cave Camp
Early in the morning after breakfast, ready to start a drive of about 4 hours to Rongai gate, which lies near the Kenya border north east of the country. Upon arrival at the gate park formalities are taken, at this moment you can sit waiting for lunch or take a move around the area, the rainforest with your eyes open, possibly spotting some blue monkeys swinging on the tree branches. Then proceed to Simba Cave for dinner and overnight.
Elevation: 1997m to 2635m
Distance: 6km
Walking time: 4 hours
Day 2
Simba Cave Camp to Kikelelwa
After breakfast, our hike continues through the moorland zone where you will notice the vegetation changes to shrubs and grasses. You will stop for lunch at the second cave where we meet the junction to the third cave and the Kikelelwa Camp. You will then turn east towards Kikelelwa Camp for dinner overnight.
Elevation: 2620m to 3600m
Distance: 9km
Walking time: 7 hours
Day 3
Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi tarn
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, 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. If you are spending an extra day on the Mount Kilimanjaro, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.
Elevation: 3600m to 4330m
Distance: 4km
Walking time: 4 hours
Day 4
Mawenzi Tarn camp to Kibo Camp
A beautiful lunar landscape is crossed today, after the ascent to the higher camp. The Kibo Camp is located directly below Kibo summit, from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Kenyan plain. Here you can also see Mawenzi and the path very well. After lunch you can rest and regain your strength because the next day you will do the summit day to the peak of Kilimanjaro. Elevation: 4330m to 4700m Distance: 9km Walking time: 6 hours
A beautiful lunar landscape is crossed today, after the ascent to the higher camp. The Kibo Camp is located directly below Kibo summit, from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Kenyan plain. Here you can also see Mawenzi and the path very well. After lunch you can rest and regain your strength because the next day you will do the summit day to the peak of Kilimanjaro. Elevation: 4330m to 4700m Distance: 9km Walking time: 6 hours
Day 5
Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
The day begins at midnight, you will be woken up with a hot cup of tea and a biscuit before you begin your ascent in the dark. We will then continue taking our way up to Gilman’s Point. Standing on this crater rim, you will take a short break, take on some water and rest a little before you cross the crater to Stella Point. We will then gradually make our way to Uhuru Peak, where you will be able to witness the incredible views, stay for a picture, and enjoy your great achievement while standing on the roof of Africa. We will then descend straight down the mountain towards the Kibo Hut where we will stop for a rest, lunch, and a celebration before heading back down towards Horombo Hut.
Elevation: 4700m to 5895m to 3720m
Distance: 16km
Walking time: 12 hours
Day 6
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
We continue to descend Mount Kilimanjaro, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Then return back to Marangu Gate and receive your summit certificates. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha/ Moshi Elevation: 3720m to 1830m Distance: 18km Walking time: 7 hours
We continue to descend Mount Kilimanjaro, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Then return back to Marangu Gate and receive your summit certificates. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha/ Moshi Elevation: 3720m to 1830m Distance: 18km Walking time: 7 hours
