6 Days Rongai Route Climb

The Rongai route begins on the northern side of the mountain and is the least travelled route. It is a long drive to the starting point but you are rewarded by fantastic views and the likelihood that you will be the only climbers around. If you take this route up the mountain you are obliged to descend via the Marangu Route that is the most popular and well-used route. Rongai is less crowded route and located on leeward side receiving little precipitation, also Rongai has higher success rate, and it is one of the easiest route on the mountain. Accommodation is in camps.

This itinerary can be customized to suit your needs and preferences.

Day 0: Arrival in Moshi

Arrive Kilimanjaro airport, our representative will pick and transfer you to the hotel in Moshi for overnight in preparation for climb the following day.

Day 1 : Nale Moru (1,950m) to 1st Cave or Simba Campsite (2,600m)

After breakfast and briefing, you will meet your guides and porters and prepare your equipment before departing to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950m) on a small path that wind through crop fields before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains, the walk takes 3 – 4 hours. Overnight 1st Cave or Simba Campsite.

Day 2 : 1st Cave or Simba Campsite (2,600m) to Shira Camp (3,600m)

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant scenarios near Kikelewa or 2nd Caves Campsite where you will stay overnight (3,600m).

Day 3 : 2nd Caves Campsite (3,600 m) - Mawenzi Tarn Hut Campsite or 3rd Cave Campsite (4,330m)

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m), 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. Overnight at Mawenzi Turn Hut Campsite Or 3rd Cave Campsite.

Day 4 : Mawenzi Tarn Hut Campsite or 3rd Cave Campsite (4,330m) to Kibo Campsite (4,750m)

We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach School/Kibo Campsite (4,750m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.

Day 5 : Kibo Campsite (4,750m) to Gillman’s Point (5,685m) to Horombo Campsite (3,720m)

We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685m) We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour around trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,750m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo.

Day 6 : Final descent from Horombo Campsite (3,720m) to Mandara Hut (2,700m) then to Marangu Gate (1,830m)

A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830m). You will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi for the overnight stay.

Day 7 : Transfer to the airport for your departure flight

End of Trek.

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