8 Days Rongai Route

RONGAI ROUTE

KILIMANJARO

8 Days / 7 Nights

OVERVIEW

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. It has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season.

The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended. This route makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. This route descends down the Marangu route. Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience

ARRIVE - ARUSHA/MOSHI

Upon arrival you will be met by our representative who will later transfer you to a hotel in Arusha or Moshi for overnight stay.

Rongai Gate 6,398 ft to Rongai Cave 9,300 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate starting point. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white Columbus monkey.

Rongai Cave : 9,300 ft to Second Cave 11,300 ft Kikelewa Cave 11,811 ft

Rongai Cave to Second Cave
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.

Kikelewa Cave 11,811 ft to Mawenzi Tarn 14,160 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

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.

Mawenzi Tarn 14,160 ft to Mawenzi Ridge 14,400 ft - Mawenzi Tarn 14,160 ft

Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
Distance: 2 km/1 mile
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn
Distance: 2 km/1 mile
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.

Mawenzi Tarn14,160 ft to Kibo Hut 15,430 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Kibo Hut 15,430 ft to Uhuru Peak to 19,341 ft - Horombo Hut 12,250 ft

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
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.

Horombo Hut 12,205 ft to Marangu Gate 6,046 ft

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

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 or Arusha