6 Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Rongai Route

Duration

6 days

Tour Type

Mountain Trekking

Wishlist

Overview

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular 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). Rongai is a moderately difficult route and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. Descent is made via the Marangu route.

Tour Plan

Day 1 Moshi – Nalemoru Gate (1,990 m) – Simba Camp (2,625 m)

After breakfast, you will be driven around Mt Kilimanjaro to its north-western side and after 3 to 4 hours, you will arrive at the Nalemoru Gate. After the registration process has been completed and your luggage has been divided between the porters, your adventure begins. The path runs alongside mountain farmers’ fields and pine forests before it enters the sparse mountain forest zone, where black and white colobus monkeys can often be seen. After an approximate 3 to 4-hour hike, you will reach the Simba Camp where you will spend the night.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Start: Nalemoru Gate (1,990 m)
Finish: Simba Camp (2,625 m)
Walking time: 3-4h

Day 2 Simba Camp (2,625 m) – Kikelewa Camp (3,630 m)

Today’s trek passes through the heather and moorland zones and the views of Mawenzi and the vast Kenyan steppes are nothing short of grand. You will have lunch at the Second Cave (3,450 m) and after a short break, you will cross the undulating terrain to Kikelewa Camp. This camp boasts incredible views and after a strenuous day’s climb, you can relax and take in its peaceful ambiance.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Start: Simba Camp (2,625 m)
Finish: Kikelewa Camp (3,630 m)
Walking time: 5-6h

Day 3 Kikelewa Camp (3,630 m) – Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,310 m)

The typical senecien vegetation will soon disappear and the scenery will become more barren with the occasional rock formations. In good weather you can enjoy the breath-taking views of the Kibo and Mawenzi summits as well as Kenya’s savannah grasslands. After passing a few more rock formations, you will arrive at the Mawenzi Hut. For many mountain climbers, it is the most atmospheric camp on the mountain.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Start: Kikelewa Camp (3,630 m)
Finish: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,310 m)
Walking time: 3-4h

Day 4 Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,310 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m)

On a relatively easy path, today’s leg takes you over the Kibo Saddle. A lack of vegetation is characteristic for the landscape here as only a few types of grass and other plant species can survive in this dry area and thin air. Just before today’s destination is reached, one last rock passage has to be conquered. Finally, you will arrive at the School Hut, where you can relax and mentally prepare yourself for tomorrow’s summit stage.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Start: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,310 m)
Finish: Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
Walking time: 4-6h

Day 5 Kibo Hut (4,700 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)

The climb begins at around 00:00 h and after a 5 to 7 hour walk on frozen volcanic ash, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5,715 m) on the crater’s edge. The sun rays will warm you while you trek for another 1 to 2 hours until you reach Uhuru Peak and finally stand on “Africa’s Roof”. The descent on the now thawed lava ash runs almost along the same route and you will arrive at the School Hut in the late morning. A warm meal will be served and after a well-deserved break, the descent continues to the Horombo Hut.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Start: Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
Finish:Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
Walking time: 12-14h

Day 6 Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Marangu Gate (1,860 m) – Moshi

After trekking for approximately 5 to 6 hours, you will have managed the easy descent and you will return to the Marangu Gate during the early afternoon. You will say goodbye to your mountain crew and a short transfer will take you back to the lodge/ hotel. Here you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your achievement.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Start: Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
Finish: Marangu Gate (1,860 m)
Walking time: 5-6h

Included/Exclude

Items included:

Professional, English-speaking guide/ Germany guide on request with extra cost.
Mountain crew (cook & porters)
Pre and Post night stays in hotels and mountain tents.
Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables etc.)
Private mountain Chemical Toilet Available at a request and an extra cost.
Mountain Camp Shower Available Warm water Shower on request and at extra cost.)
Meals according to the itinerary
Drinking water
All national park fees
All mentioned transfer