Rongai Route

There is so much more to the »Kili« than just its summit. A journey up its slopes takes you on a climatic world tour from the tropics to the Arctic. The grassy slopes turn to lush rainforest; above »the tree line« is heath and moorland, dominated by giant heathers; then almost lunar landscape of an alpine desert and finally the top of the continent, covered by ice and snow.

Here presented are the standard Mt. Kilimanjaro Rongai Treks, which follow the same route but differ in the number of days.

Rongai Route is an excellent alternative to the Marangu Route or you can just combine both of them! It is scenic and technically easy route and usually it is done in six days (five nights).

Although the walking on Rongai Route is quite strenuous, it is gaining popularity because of its unspoiled wilderness atmosphere. The main disadvantages are the longer journey to the starting point, which is on the northern side of the mountain near Tanzania-Kenya border, and higher transportation costs. For descent Marangu Route is used.

Note:
Accommodation is in tents. Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is a serious attempt and proper acclimatization is important. An extra day for acclimatization will increase your chances to summit the mountain.

ITINERARY:

DAY 1: Arusha – Rombo Gate – First Cave (7km, 3-4 hour walk, 700m/2296ft ascent)

Depart early from your hotel and transfer to the Rombo Gate where your hike to Uhuru Peak begins. The day’s destination is ‘First Cave’ where tents are prepared to overnight. Picnic lunch en route.
DAY 2: First Cave– Kikelewa Cave (6km, 6-7 hour walk, 900m/2953ft ascent)

After breakfast the trek continues to the ‘Second Cave’ for lunch and onwards towards ‘Mawenzi,’ trailing through open moorland to Kikelewa Cave to overnight.
DAY 3: Kikelewa Cave– Mawenzi Tarn Hut (5km, 3-4 hour walk, 730m/2395ft ascent)

The day is spent trekking through moorland and alpine desert to ‘Mawenzi Tarn’ Hut to overnight. Picnic lunch en route.
DAY 4: Mawenzi Tarn Hut – School Camp (9km, 4-6 hour walk, 420m/1378ft ascent)

The day includes trekking across the ‘Saddle’ to the ‘School Camp,’ with Kibo rising up ahead and Mawenzi behind. Picnic lunch en route; dinner and overnight at the School Camp.
DAY 5: School Camp – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut (19km, 11-16 hour walk, 1150m/3773ft ascent, 2200m/7218ft descent)

The climb for the summit starts just after midnight passing ‘Gillman’s Point’ on the crater rim (5.680m/18.635ft) before reaching the highest peak of Africa – Uhuru (5.895m/19.340ft). From the summit descend to ‘Horombo Hut ‘campsite to overnight
DAY 6: Horombo Hut– Marangu Gate – Arusha (18km, 5-7 hour walk, 1720m/5643ft descent)

The day is spent descending to ‘Marangu Gate’ where you will be met and transferred back for your overnight at a hotel in Arusha. Do not forget to collect your certificate for summiting successfully.

End of Tour.