7 Days Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Climbing

About Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Climbing

This 7 days Rongai route kilimanjaro climbing is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.

The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Rongai Gate. The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.

Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, 7 Days Rongai Route Climbing Kilimanjaro Trekking & Hikes. makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. Descent is made via the Marangu route. PEPEA HERITAGE SAFARIS offers Rongai as a seven day group climb or a six or seven private climb. The six day variation does not have an acclimatization day on day four at Mawenzi Tarn.

Arrival Kilimanjaro Airport

Once you have arrived safely at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met by one of our meeting and greetings guide who will drive you at Mvuli Hotel in Arusha. Should you arrive early you can explore the Arusha Town, which is only a short taxi ride away, or you can just relax at the lodge and get ready for the days ahead. You will also meet with one of our operations staff and Guide who will explain everything you need to know regarding your trek and check all your equipment.

Day 1: Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave

Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft

Distance: 8 /5 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Once you have arrived safely at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met by one of our friendly driver who will transfer you to the Hotel in Arusha. Should you arrive early you can explore the Arusha Town, which is only a short taxi ride away, or you can just relax at the lodge and get ready for the days ahead. You will also meet with one of our operations staff and Guide who will explain everything you need to know regarding your trek and check all your equipment.

Day 2:  Simba Camp to Second  Caves Camp

Meals: Breakast, Lunch & Dinner

Hike Duration: 7 - 7 hours

Distance covered: 5.7miles.

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave(11,300 ft) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out and head southeast across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley, decorated with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (11,800 ft).

Day 3: Second Caves Camp to Kikelewa Caves

Meals: Breakast, Lunch & Dinner

Hike Duration: 3 - 4 hours

Distance covered: 2.3miles

The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn(14,200 ft), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.

Day 4: Kikelewa Caves to Mawenzi Tarn

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

HIking time: 2 - 3 hours.

We have an additional day to acclimatize. The day will be spent exploring the area with a walk up onto the Saddle towards Camel’s Back. Afterwards, we will return to camp at Mawenzi Tarn (14,200 ft).

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

HIking time: 2 - 3 hours.

We cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) at the bottom of the crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for an early morning final ascent.

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft

Distance: 7 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft

Distance: 17 km/10 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Heath

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,047 ft

Distance: 20 km/12 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Arusha.

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