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Kilimanjaro Climb via 7 Days Rongai Route
Rongai route begins in the northern side of Kilimanjaro Mountain, 45km from Moshi town or 69km from Arusha. Rongai is stated to be one of the most beautiful routes that start from the Northern side, In comparison to others this is the easiest route and its popularity has been increasing tremendously over the years. The route host a variety of spectacular landscapes together with different plants and animal’s species which make it one of the best sought after route of the Northern side. The typical duration for this trip is 6 days. But mostly the hikers prefer to take one day more, i.e., the 7 days to make the success rate higher. Rongai is scenically more beautiful than that of Marangu, and the difference is that when Marangu offers the hut facilities, the Rongai offers the tents to rest and make the overnight stay. At the end of each day you would find your tents pitched by the porters.
This route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border and is one of the least traveled routes. The route merges with the Marangu for the summit climb. The descend follows the Marangu route on the mountain’s southeast side, so you will be able to Kilimanjaro from many points. There are two versions of this trek- a direct 6 day itinerary and a 7 day itinerary that takes a longer route. You can choose to attempt the summit via Mawezi Tarn Hut or via School Hut which is also referred to as the Outward Bound Hut. The former is longer and more popular. Prior acclimatization is suggested in order to attempt the latter successfully.
What's included
- All Government taxes and levies including 18% VAT.
- All meals while on the mountain
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Beautifully illustrated souvenir map
- Community Development Fund
- Conservation Fund
- Fair Wages
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Kilimanjaro Certificates after Trek
- Kilimanjaro National Park Entrance fees
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Medical insurance and emergency insurance
- Quality mess tents with table and chairs
- Quality, waterproof, four seasons private mountain sleeping tents
- Laundry Services
- Other International flights
- Personal expenses
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
- Tips to Mountain Crew
- Visa arrangements
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
- Day 8
Moshi/Marangu to Rongai Gate (Nalemoru) to Simba Camp
Simba Camp to Second Cave
Elevation: 2650m to 3450m, Distance: 6km, Walking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Moorland
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.
Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
Elevation: 3450m to 3600m, Distance: 9km, Walking Time: 2-3 hours, Habitat: Semi-desert,
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.
Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Turn Hut
Elevation: 3600m to 4330m, Distance: 6km, Walking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Semi-desert
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Turn, 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.
If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.
Mawenzi Turn hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 4330m to 4750m, Distance: 9km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early.
Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hut
Elevation: 4700m to 5895m & down to 3700m, Distance: 6km up & 15km down, Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up & 15km down, Habitat: Alpine Desert
Very early in the morning (midnight about 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elevation 5700m). Continuing 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!
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, to Moshi/Marangu
Elevation: 3700m to 1700m, Distance: 20km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Forest
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). Our vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your Hotel in Moshi/Marangu.
Today, you may opt to relax at the hotel or choose to extend your holiday by continue with safari (i.e Ngorongoro and Serengeti) but if not our driver will transfer you to the Airport to connect with your flight back home.
Hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Today you will be transferred to Airport or continue with other plans.
