Trip Description
Rongai route ascends Mount Kilimanjaro from the northeastern of the mountain with a variety of spectacular landscapes together with different vegetation and animal species, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This is one of Kilimanjaro’s easiest routes and has become an increasingly popular route in recent years. The route has five distinct climate zones which are agriculture, forest, heather-moorland, alpine desert, and summit climate zones. The Rongai route is more scenic than the Marangu route and easier than other camping routes to Kilimanjaro, the success rate on the Rongai route is quite high. Unlike the Marangu route where you sleep in huts, on the Rongai route you sleep in tents. The porters will have your tents pitched and waiting for you at the end of each day’s climb.
ITINERARY
Day 0: Arrival – Kilimanjaro International Airport
Upon arrival after finalizing immigration formalities, you shall be warmly welcomed by our representative and transfers you to your hotel in Moshi Town. Before going on bed you will be met by your mountain guide for Kilimanjaro climbing briefing and have your mountain gears crosscheck. Dinner and overnight at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Day 1: Moshi Town – Rongai Gate (1996m) - (Nalemoru) 2364m to Simba Camp (2671m)
After breakfast depart from Moshi town and drive 2 hours to Rongai gate. We begin our hike from the wooden village of Nalemoru. After checking in and completing all the gate formalities, you will start the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize/corn and potatoes before entering pine forest. The trail then starts to climb consistently through a beautiful countryside but gently in the attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views of the Kenyan plains. The first night's camp is at Simba Camp, the camp facilities include a public toilet and a wooden table with benches.
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Distance Covered: 7 km/ 4mi
Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Simba Camp (2671m) to Second Cave (3450m)
After breakfast, you will begin a hike on a solid ascent up to reach the Second Cave with stunning sights of Kibo and eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, you will leave the main trail and head southeast through the moorland on a smaller path in the direction of the serrated peaks of Mawenzi. The camp is under a sheltered valley which is decorated with giant Seneca near Kikelewa Caves.
Dinner and Overnight at Second Cave
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance Covered: 8 km/5mi
Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Second Cave (3450m) to Kikelewa Camp (3600m)
Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.
Dinner and Overnight at Kikelewa Camp Distance Covered: 9 km/ 5.5mi
Habitat: Semi-desert
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp (3600m) to Mawenzi Turn Hut (4315m)
After breakfast, head out the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. It is a short but very steep climb that is dedicated to stunning views and a glimpse of the wilderness. You will be leaving vegetation behind shortly before getting to the next camp on Mawenzi Turn. The camp is located in a valley directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. You will spend the afternoon free resting and enjoying the surrounding areas as part of acclimatization.
Dinner and Overnight at Mawenzi Turn Hut Distance Covered: 3km/ 1.9mi
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Day 5: Mawenzi Turn Hut (4315m) to Kibo Hut (4720m)
After breakfast, you will cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Campsite at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall. The rest of the day is spent resting and self-preparation for the final ascent very early morning.
Dinner and Overnight at Kibo Hut Distance Covered: 9km/ 5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Kibo Hut (4720m) to Summit and Horombo Hut (3720m)
Very early (midnight around 1 am) begin the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's Point situated on the crater rim (5700m) here you will have a short break to enjoy the remarkable sunrise over Mawenzi then proceeding ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. You will be passing nearby to the almighty glaciers and ice cliffs which still occupy most of the summit area. Then descend to Kibo Hut (4720m) which is surprisingly fast and, after lunch and some refreshments, you will continue the descent to Horombo Huts. The beginning of this climb is done during the night and requires a flashlight, it will be very cold until you start descending. So you will need all your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the hike with many switchbacks, going slowly and an optimistic attitude will get you there.
Dinner and Overnight at Horombo Hut (3720m)
Distance Covered: 6km/4mi up /15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 11-15 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 7: Horombo Hut (3720m) to Marangu Gate (1879m) to Moshi Town
After a lovely breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara hut. Proceed descending through Tropical lush forest path to the national park gate at Marangu. At Marangu Gate you will receive your certificates and short farewell songs with your crews. You will be transferred to Moshi town for overnight. Enjoy a hot shower and spa services will be available upon your request and wishes.
Dinner and Overnight at Kilimanjaro Wonder Hotel Distance Covered: 20km/ 12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
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