The Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. Rongai Route, Mt Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking, Online Kilimanjaro booking, Mount Kilimanjaro climbing, Kilimanjaro trekking, Rongai route hiking, Africa’s highest mountain, snows of Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro wildlife.

Mountain Gear Check-list

  • A Rucksack for Your Equipment – To Be Carried By Porters
  • Sleeping Bag [Mountain Type], Day Pack – For Your Personal Items
  • Hiking, Climbing Boots, Camp Shoes, Trainers Not Sandals
  • 2 Thin Polypro Type For Quick Drying, 4 Thick Wind Pants, Wind shirts
  • High Gaiters, Warm Pants [Fleece], Jacket Or Pullover, 1 Rain Parka
  • 2 Underwears,1 Hiking Shirt, Long Sleeve, 1 Bandanna
  • 1 Warm Hat, 1 Hiking Shorts, Pants, Balaclava, Fleece Neck Warmer
  • Headlamp, Bulb, Batteries, First Aid Kit, Pocketknife, Sunglasses, Snow
  • Goggles, Water Purification Tablets
  • Toiletry Item, Plus Sunblock, Lipsalve, and Moisturizer
  • Walking Stick
Day 1

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

Hiking time: 5 hours
Distance: About 8 km's
Habitat: Montane forest
After breakfast drive to 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.
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 Kikelewa Cave at about 3600 meters. 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, Rongai Route, Mt Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking, Online Kilimanjaro booking, Mount Kilimanjaro climbing, Kilimanjaro trekking, Rongai route hiking, Africa's highest mountain, snows of Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro wildlife.
Day 4

Acclimatization Day at Mawenzi Tarn

This is your extra day on Kilimanjaro, but you won’t just sit around at camp. The secret to the higher success rate of the 7-day itinerary is in today’s acclimatization hike. You will begin your day like any other on the mountain and then start a short hike towards Mawenzi. Depending on how you feel and your pace, you will ascend for 2-3 hours before returning back to camp. Roundtrip typically takes 3-5 hours. You will spend another night here at Mawenzi Tarn.
Day 5

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 6

Summit Attempt Kibo hut - Uhuru Peak - Horombo hut

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 Kili 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. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut.
Day 7

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

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 or Arusha for a long overdue hot shower and overnight at a budget hotel.

Included in the Safari Cost

  • Transport to & from the mountain
  • Porters, Guide & Cooks Fee
  • Three meals a day whilst on the mountain
  • All hut & camping fees
  • All park entry fees
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Certificate of achievement
  • Mineral Water

Excluded in the Safari Cost

  • Tipping to the guide & porters, cooks
  • Personal climbing gear – clothing’s & rucksack
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Beverages
  • Items of personal use.

For more information:

Please contact us on email info@tropicalwildexpeditions.com or phone (+254) 721 411 044

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