Rongai route 6 days Kilimanjaro

ITINERARY DESCRIPTION BY DAY

Day 1: Rongai Gate (1950m) – 1st Caves camp (2600m).

Hiking time: 5 hours.

Distance: About 8 km’s.

Habitat: Montane forest

Register at the Marangu park gate with a transfer (approximately 2 ½ hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your guide and porters 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 through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through beautiful country. The first night’s camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 metres. There is a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just down the trail below First Cave.

Day 2: 1st Cave (2600m) – Kikelewa Cave (3600m).

Hiking time: 6-7 hours.

Habitat: Moorlands

The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find some. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves). .

Day 3: Kikelewa Cave (3600) – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m).

Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Habitat: Moorlands

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) – Kibo hut (4700m).

Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours.

Habitat: Alpine desert.

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 5: SUMMIT ATTEMPT, Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3720m).

Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru, 6 hours to descend to Horombo.

Distance: 6 km’s ascent – 21 km’s descent.

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.

You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Day 6: Horombo hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m).

Hiking time: 6 hours.

Distance: About 27 km’s.

After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. 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. Now from Marangu route, drive to your back to your hotel Moshi.

This Kilimanjaro trip is flexible; we have 7 days Rongai route trekking option. This Kilimanjaro trip is suitable for first time climbers or climb beginners because every day trek is shorter distance, and no fatigue. Kilimanjaro summit success rate is 98% because of best acclimatization.

Price vary depending on number of people at time of booking

Prices includes: 

Airport transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport, Transport from Hotel to Kilimanjaro Rongai gate, all park fees, salaries of guides/porters/cook, and all meals on the mountain, clean safe drinking water, accommodation equipment, and Government tax, certificate of climbing, first aid, rescue and transfer to Moshi.

 Services not included:

Flight to Tanzania, Entry VISA, and hotel in Moshi, Climbing gears (available for rent), tips to guides, porters, coordinator and items of a personal nature.