6 Days Rongai Route
Overview
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai 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 north side receives less precipitation).
The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai 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.
Day 0: Arrival at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport
Distance: 45km /5Mnts
Meet on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport. Transfer to Hotel in Arushafor dinner and overnight BB. (45 km, 50 minutes)
- MEALS: Dinner and Overnight BB
- ACCOMMODATION: Tulia Boutique
Day 1: Hotel in Arusha to Simba Camp
After breakfast, you will drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2:30 hours including a stop for formalities at Marangu gate). After the formalities at the gate including registering, you will begin the hike on a wide path that passes through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest of Kilimanjaro Mountain. The pathway then starts to climb steadily but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife.
Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave
In this day after breakfast, you will hike steady up to the Second Cave with splendid views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
Distance: 6km/4miles
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Second Cave to Third Cave
Today on day 3 of our Rongai route climb, we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.
Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft
Distance: 9km/5miles
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Third Cave to Kibo Hut
Early in the morning after breakfast, you will hike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The rest of the day will be full of relaxation preparing for the summit in the next day.
Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft
Distance: 5km/3miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (Midnight to 2 Am), begin the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elevation 5700m/18,700ft). Proceeding, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in the African Continent. At the Uhuru peak we will spend sometimes for pictures and short clips to share with friends, family and comrades back home. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
Summiting is always done at night so headlight is of more consideration at this point. At the summit, it will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers handy. Going slowly “pole pole” and a positive mind attitude will get you there!
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4miles up / 15km/9miles down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Horombo Hut to trail head to Moshi hotel
After breakfast, a slow descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut point and pushing further through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy sometimes though Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy at this point).
Kibokoland Adventures Tanzania vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
