6 days
Duration
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Location
12+
Age
Overview
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from North East, close to the Kenyan boarder. It begins with a long drive from Moshi to Rongai gate where the hikes start. The route has low traffic compared to others until Uhuru peak (the summit) and later descends via the Marangu route. Is more favourable during the rainy season as a fact of its location. It is located in the direction where the mountain receives a very low amount of rainfall in a year and has a varied scenery and beautiful nature, therefore becoming the best route during the wet season. It is through this route that Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed throughout the year.
This route can be climbed in six days but at Kilimanjaro Simon Adv Travel we recommend 7days with acclimatization at Mawenzi Turn hut camp. This route can be climbed by any individual even those with fewer backpackers experience, those who love mountain cycling experience and people with physical challenges. Our success rate is 98% on this route
We will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend time having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through 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 over the Kenyan plains.
- Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
- Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi
- Walking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.
- Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft
- Distance: 9km/5mi
- Walking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Hike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day!
- Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft - Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Kilimanjaro Simon Adv Travel vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
