Rongai Route
8 days | 7 nights
Climbing Overview
Kilimanjaro is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa and this correlates with your trek sublimely. The enchanting views start with the golden Savannah, journey amid the ancient caves and travel to the frosty region of the summit. The canopies in the cloud forest are ridden with cracks that allow the mystical light rays and clouds to seep through. The 8 days Rongai Route is the only route that tackles Kilimanjaro from the north side. This offers an exclusive journey to the summit.
The neighbouring Kenyan region provides the scenic plains of the Maasai land where conspicuous splotches of wildlife including buffalo, elephants and monkeys emerge. This is the least frequented trail and the tranquility compels East Africa’s fascinating birdlife and you may encounter some of the diverse wildlife whilst on your trek. The drive to get to the gate it is filled with fantastic sights. In the rainy seasons the route is ideal because the north side receives less precipitation, permitting a safer trek.
Full Itinerary
Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi
Orientation for your trek will take place at the hotel and you will be picked up from the airport. Our guides will provide additional information regarding the 8 days Rongai Route and they will perform an inspection on your trekking gear.
Rongai Gate / Nalemoru (1950m) to Simba Camp (2650m) (First Cave Camp)
WalkingTime: 3-4hrs Distance: 6.5km Altitude Gain: 700m
In the morning we will pick you up from your hotel and drive to the Marangu Gate (approximately 1,8km). After the necessary park registration is completed, we will proceed to the Nalemoru Gate (Just under 2km). There will be an opportunity to meet your crew and a comforting hot lunch will be served at the gate. We will embark on the great journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Your trek starts with a twisting path that intersects with a field of maize. We will enter the ember canopies of the dense forest and walk along the moist floor. The trees above the misty paths are home to the striking blue monkey, the contrasting black and white colobus and the adorable bush baby. The trek lasts three to four hours. We will spend the night at the Simba Camp (2650m). Comprehensive camping facilities are provided.
Simba Camp (2650m) to Kikelewa Caves (3600m) (Third Caves Camp)
Walking Time: 6-7hrs Distance: 9km Altitude Gain: 950m
In the morning the journey towards Kibo will resume. At the second ancient cave, an appetising hot lunch will be served. After lunch we will trek through a brief section of the barren dunes of the moorland and continue amid the heather vegetation zone which is studded with ethereal, enormous lobelias.
There is a high possibility of viewing the breath- taking display of the Kibo peak. There is also a chance that we may spot jackals and the odd buffalo – there is no need to panic as your guide accompanies you at all times. Once we reach the Kikelewa Caves camp, you can relax for the remaining hours of the day (3600m).
Kikelewa Caves (3600m) to Mawenzi Tarn (4330m)
Walking Time: 3-4hrs Distance: 6km Altitude Gain: 370m
Breakfast will be served at the campsite. Our day begins on a short inclined pasture that leads to an area of wilderness. A low desert environment will replace the limited vegetation.
We will arrive at the Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m) where a delectable hot lunch will be served. There is a possibility of small excursions for acclimatisation taking place but you are likely spend the rest of the day lounging at the campsite.
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4700m)
Walking Time: 4-5hrs Distance: 9km Altitude Gain: 370m
Note that the trail progressively becomes steeper and stonier as we advance further away from the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. We will travel up a desolate site that leads to ‘The Saddle’ – an extensive lunar lava stone landscape that stretches between Mawenzi and Kibo. The journey is complimented by the marvellous views of the towering upper regions of the Kilimanjaro. Our trek will come to an end when we reach the Kibo Huts (4703m) and a steaming hot meal will be served in the afternoon. You can relax for the remainder of the day. We recommend that you try to get to bed early so you are revitalized for the climb to the summit at midnight.
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
Walking Time: 6-8hrs ascent, 5-6hrs descent Distance: 5km ascent, 15km descent Altitude Gain: 1195m, Altitude Loss: 2195m
Our voyage to the summit begins at midnight and this is the longest, most laborious day of the whole trek. The trail consists of a long, sharp slope until we pass the Hans Meyer Cave. At this point the path transforms into a twisting, single-file lane. To reach Gillman’s Point (5685m) you will use a brief path with a terrain that is laden with rocks, some climbing is necessary.
This is the biggest difficulty of the ascension. Gilman’s point or the lips of Kilimanjaro indicate that Uhuru Peak (5895m) is merely a two hour hike away. Once you progress to Uhuru and behold the spectacle of the first peach hued rays of light brushing against the ice laden fields of the Mawenzi Peaks – you will comprehend the magnitude of your victory. We won’t spend too much time at Uhuru as we have to start our descent to the Kibo Hut.
We will take a short, desirable break. We will proceed to the Horombo Huts and at this point you will beam with joy at the sight of your sleeping bag.
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1800m)
Walking Time: 5-6hrs Distance: 20km Altitude Gain: 1195m Altitude Loss: 1900m
After breakfast we will descend to the Marangu gate. On our journey we will encounter the Mandara Hut and travel through the lush rainforest once again. When we get to the Marangu gate you will be awarded with a certificate to prove that you completed the 8 days Rongai Route. After the brief festivities with your porters conclude you will be transported back to the hotel – where a piping hot shower, soft mattress and fresh clothes await. You may even want to try one or two Kilimanjaro beers!
Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport
Today we will transfer you to Kilimanjaro Airport, from where you will connect your flight back home. If you’ve decided to go in a safari – well, that’s a another adventure and we’ll be happy to arrange it for you!
Included for safaris
- All park entrance, camping and rescue fees
- All meals and filtered drinking water while on the mountain
- Guides, cook and porters salaries and fees
- Transport to/from Kilimanjaro gate before and after climb
- Airport transfer – To and From airport
- Mid class accommodation in Arusha before and after climb on bed and breakfast basis
- Camping equipment including mountaineering tents sharing with 2 people, sleeping mattress and kitchen gears for camping routes
Prices do not include
- Items of personal nature, gratuities (tips),
- Soda/alcohols,
- Travel insurance, visa fees,
- International airfare,
- Airport taxes,
- Laundry,
- cultural tours, climbing gears,
- and other extras not stated above as included.
NB – Sleeping bag and other personal mountain gears are available for hire at Arusha.
NB: Private helicopter for Rescue and evacuations is available at Mount Kilimanjaro up to approximately 5000m asl. A cliet(s) needed his/her insurance to cover up to 6000m asl. For more details -http://kilimanjarosar.com/
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