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Overview of Rongai Route

Starting from the North- east side of the mountain near the Kenyan border, the Rongai route up Kilimanjaro rises above the Amboseli plains and approaches the summit of Kilimanjaro via Kibo Huts and Gilmans point, from Mawenzi peaks. It is an unfrequented route and is also the easiest camping approach to Uhuru Peak.

The decent route used on Rongai Route is the Marangu Route.

 

Rongai Route Itinerary

 

Day 1:

Arrive Tanzania and transfer to the hotel.

 

Day 2

Rongai Gate (1950m) - 1st Caves camp (2600m)

Register at the Marangu park gate with a transfer (approximately 2 ½ hours) to the Rongai trailhead before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through beautiful country. The forest begins to thin out before you reach the first cave later in the afternoon. The first night's camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 metres.

 

Day 3

1st Cave (2600m) - Kikelewa Cave (3600m)

The trail continues up towards Kibo with magnificent views of the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. We will pass Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and head out across the Kikelwa moorlands under the jagged and imposing, Mawenzi peaks, reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 metres. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp with magnificent Scenio's nearby Kikelewa Caves.

 

Day 4

Kikelewa Cave (3600) - Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m)

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offering superb views of this wilderness area. Here, we will leave the moorland region behind and quickly enter into the lunar alpine desert stretched out between the imposing peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. We will camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated in the shadows of Mawenzi.

 

Day 5

Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) - Kibo hut (4700m)
Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp

 

Day 6

SUMMIT ATTEMPT

Kibo hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo hut (3720m)

You will rise around 23h30, and head off into the night. This will be the hardest day on the trail as you head into the cold night air towards Uhuru peak. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). The path then zigzags up to Gillman's point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. From Gillman's Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m). You will then begin your 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut and down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight.

 

Day 7

Horombo hut (3720m) - Marangu Gate (1980m)

After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman's Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates.

 

Day 8 After breakfast, transfer to the airport for you flight home.

 

End of services

 

Dates/Prices

 

Trekking dates

We arrange the climb on dates to suit you,. Alternately, you can join a fixed departure group as follows (departs with a minimum of 2 people), each month on the following dates:-

Machame 7 days      4th, 13th, 23rd

Shira 7 days             4th, 13th, 23rd

Rongai 7 days          6th, 15th, 26th

Umbwe 7 days         6th, 15th, 26th

Lemosho 8 days       7th, 17th, 27th

Marangu 7 days        7th, 17th, 27th

 

Prices are quoted in USD and are subject to change until paid in full

 

Please email us for current prices

 

Price includes

Transfers from the airport to hotel and return

All park fees

The climb

All meals on the mountain

Sleeping Tents

Eating utensils

Two nights accommodation in Moshi on a bed and breakfast, twin / triple share basis.

 

Prices excludes

International flights

Required airport taxes

Visa’s

Vaccinations

Porters tips

Items of clothing, sleeping bags and miscellaneous drinks, etc.

 

Ratio of porters per climber: 4/5 to 1

 

Photo's

   

 

Rongai Forest

First Cave

Kibo from Kikelewa

Sign at Kibo

Rongai Forest

First Cave

Kibo from Kikelewa

Sign at Kibo

Kibo

Heading to Gilmans

Kibo Huts

Nearing Gilmans

Glaciers

Summit - 5895m

 

 

Grade - 2c FP

 

A combination of very long days with steep paths, boulders and mountain scrambling. Glaciers and snow may be encountered at high altitude. There is no need for technical climbing experience. Medium risk of altitude sickness. Altitudes up to 6000m.

 

Good cardio vascular fitness is needed with weight and circuit training and running. Lots of hill walking. Backpacks will weight about 4-5kg and contain water, camera and essentials. Trek weight loss in the region of 4kg.

 

Fully Portered

 

Kilimanjaro Routes 

 

Other Tanzanian Tours

Machame Route - 8 Days, 7 Nights   Mt Meru - 5 Days, 4 Nights
Shira Route - 8 Days, 7 Nights   Safari Tours - From 5 days, 4 nights
Lemosho Route - 8 Days, 7 Nights    
Umbwe Route - 8 Days, 7 Nights      
Rongai Route - 8 Days, 7 Nights      
Marangu Route - 7 Days, 6 Nights      
         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rongai Route Overview

Trip Duration

8 Days, 7 Nights

Destination

Tanzania

Activities

Trekking

Travel times

All year

Best Seasons

Jan - Feb, June to October

Minimum Numbers

1

Accommodation

Tents

Full Moon Dates

Click Here

Trip Grade

2C (FP)

 

Rongai Route Profile Map

 

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