Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro: Rongai Route

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro: Rongai Route

There is only one route over on the north eastern side of the mountain, Rongai, which is usually a five night climb.

This lesser known track may not be quite as spectacular as the western routes, but it does usually have far lower traffic than the other five night routes.

This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. It is generally considered to be the easiest of the quality routes on the mountain.

Rongai is the best route for people who are looking for a decent quality experience and are perhaps not absolutely confident about your fitness.

RATES: Available on request.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01
Rongai Gate (1950m) – 1st Caves camp (2600m) – Hiking time: 5 hours. – 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 meters. 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 02 
1st Cave (2600m) – Kikelelwa Cave (3600m) – Hiking time: 6-7 hours. – Habitat: Moorlands

The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelelwa Cave at about 3600meters.

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 Kikelelwa Cave camp.

Day 03
Kikelelwa Cave (3600m) – 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 04 
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 at midnight.

Overnight at Kibo Camp.

Day 05
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. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route.

Do the Kilimanjaro shuffle and move slowly. 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 06
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.

You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations.

Inclusive: Ground transfers, Park fees, rescue fees, Transfers to/from park gate, 2 night hotel accommodation at base hotel in Moshi on HB, 3 heavy meals a day on the mountain, Hut or camping fees, Tents, tables, chairs & all cooking facilities, mess tents ,Guide, porters and cook, Medical first aid Kit for Guides, Climbing permit.

Exclusive: Mountain gear, Tipping, Hyperbaric chamber including porter to carry, Toilet tent including porter, Oxygen cylinder entire climb, Extra porter.