7 Days

Rongai Route

Rongai Gate, Rongai  Cave, Simba Camp, Second Cave Camp, Kikelelwa Caves, Mawenzi Tarn, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak,  Horombo Hut, Horombo Hut and Marangu Gate

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Overview

The remote Rongai route begins on the side of the mountain close to the Kenyan border, running on the dry northeast side of Kilimanjaro. It takes a long drive to get to the starting point. It is the only route that approaches from the north and can be drier than most routes if you hike during the rainy season. The acclimatisation profile is fair.

The route is less crowded, moderately steep, crosses a beautiful alpine desert zone and allows for good views towards Kenya and the Kibo summit. On this route, you return via the Marangu route.

Full Itinerary

Day 0/ Arrival - Kilimanjaro

Once you have arrived safely at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met by one of our friendly driver who will transfer you to the Hotel in Moshi. Should you arrive early you can explore the small town of Moshi, which is only a short taxi ride away, or you can just relax at the lodge and get ready for the days ahead. You will also meet with one of our operations staff and Guide who will explain everything you need to know regarding your trek and check all your equipment.

Day 1 / Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave

Once you have arrived safely at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met by one of our friendly driver who will transfer you to White House Hotel in Moshi. Should you arrive early you can explore the small town of Moshi, which is only a short taxi ride away, or you can just relax at the lodge and get ready for the days ahead. You will also meet with one of our operations staff and Guide who will explain everything you need to know regarding your trek and check all your equipment.

Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
Distance: 8 /5 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Day 2 / Simba Camp - Second Caves Camp

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave(11,300 ft) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out and head southeast across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley, decorated with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (11,800 ft).

Meals: Breakast, Lunch & Dinner
Hike Duration: 7 – 7 hours
Distance covered: 5.7miles.

Day 3/ Second caves Camp - Kikelewa Caves

The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness. 

We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn(14,200 ft), 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.

Meals: Breakast, Lunch & Dinner
Hike Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Distance covered: 2.3miles

Day 4/ Kikelewa Caves - Mawenzi Tarn

We have an additional day to acclimatize. The day will be spent exploring the area with a walk up onto the Saddle towards Camel’s Back. Afterwards, we will return to camp at Mawenzi Tarn (14,200 ft).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
HIking time: 2 – 3 hours.

Day 5 / Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

We cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) at the bottom of the crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for an early morning final ascent.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
HIking time: 2 – 3 hours.

Day 6/ Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. 

At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Distance: 17 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath

Day 7/ Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,047 ft
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Tour Includes

  • All Taxes/VAT
  • All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodations (Comfort)
  • A professional driver guide (English)
  • All transportation and transfers (4 X 4)
  • All Meals (As specified in the itinerary)
  • All park and other entrance fees

Tour Excluded

  • International flights
  • Tips for safari driver/guide
  • Things of Personal nature
  • Travel insurance, visa fees

Other Itinerary

6 Days

Marangu Route

7 Days

Machame Route 

7 Days

Rongai Route

8 Days

Lemosho Route

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