Kilimanjaro: Rongai Route

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Detailed Trip Description

The Rongai Route is one of the easiest routes and the success rate is very high. The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least traveled routes. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many view points. The drive to the trail head takes 4-5 hours through many villages and coffee plantations.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Kilimanjaro

 
Rongai Gate - Simba Camp (First Cave).
Hotel

Book into your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for overnight and briefing by your guide.

Kilimanjaro Hotel picture
Hiking

To Simba Camp (First Cave)

1950m to 2880m

6400ft to 9450ft

About 3-4 hours / 4 miles

Temperatures: high 70's to mid 80's F



Transfer by Land Rover (about 4-5 hours) to the attractive wooden village of Nale Muru. 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.


Day 2 - Tanzania

 
Hiking

To Second Cave

2880m to 3450m

9450ft to 11,320ft

Hiking time: About 3-4 hours / 4 miles

Temperatures: low 40's to high 60's F



The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.


Day 3 - Tanzania

 
Hiking

To Third Cave

3450m to 3870m

11,319ft to 12,700ft

Hiking time: About 4 hours



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.


Day 4 - Tanzania

 
Mawenzi Tarn camp (Third Cave) - Kibo hut.
Hiking

To Kibo Camp

3870m to 4750m.

12,713ft to 15,600ft.

Hiking time: About 5 hours.

Habitat: Alpine desert.



Hike to Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night!


Day 5 - Tanzania

 
Hiking

To Summit and Horombo Hut

4750m to 5895m

15,600ft to 19,340ft

Hiking time: About 11-13 hours / 5 miles

Temperatures: mid teens to mid 20's F

(and down to 3720m)
(and down to 12,200ft)
Hiking time: About 3-4 hours / 6 miles
Temperatures: low 50's to high 60's F

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.



Begin the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. Proceed very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (5685m,18,650ft) Rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak, passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, continue the descent to reach the final campsite at Horombo.


Day 6 - Arusha

 
Hiking

To Moshi

3720m to 1700m.

12,200ft to 5500ft.

Hiking time: About 5-6 hours / 11 miles.

Temperatures: high 40's to mid 70's F.



After breakfast, A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2700m / 8858 ft), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. Continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good 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).

Private Car Service

A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!


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