- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- Booking
The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded 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).
The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended. Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu Route at Kibo camp. This route descends down the Marangu Route. Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
This route is considered by many as the easiest route to reach the Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The route ascends from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya and offers a different perspective due to its unspoilt wilderness and natural beauty.
Itineraries
Day 1
First Caves Camp (2600m)
Hiking: 5h In the morning, we will head to Marangu Park gate to register before commencing our hike on the Rongai trail through rainforests towards the first camp of the journey.Day 2
Kikelewa Cave (3600m)
Hiking time: 7h We continue our journey across moorlands towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route before reaching Kikelwa Cave. The views start to open up and offer a great view of the water streams below inside the cave.Day 3
Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)
Hiking time: 4h On Day 4, we will walk towards the jagged pinnacles of Mawenzi and camp at Mawenzi Tarn Camp. It is a short but steep climb and offers stunning views of the wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before we reach our next camp at Mawenzi.Day 4
Kibo Hut (4700m)
Hiking time: 5h We will cross a dessert area known as The Saddle, situated between Mawenzi and Kibo towards Kibo Hut and make our final preparations and rest before commencing our hike towards the Summit.Day 5
Uhuru Peak (5895m)
Hiking time: 14h We commence our climb to the Summit at around midnight. Most of the journey follows a path of steep scree towards Gilman’s Point on the Crater Rim and is considered the most difficult part of the journey. We will then descend to camp for lunch and a short rest before continuing on to Horombo Hut.Day 6
Marangu Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: 6h On our final day, we will leave Horombo Hut, heading towards the Marangu Gate and head back towards Arusha.- Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation at Hotel in Arusha.
- Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees and 18% VAT on tour fees & services which cost nearly 55% of the total cost charged.
- 4 Season mountain tents
- Sleeping Mats
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Filtered water throughout the trek
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Portable flush toilet can be provided for free upon client’s request.
- Flights
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry Services
- Tips to mountain crew
Tip on Mountain Kilimanjaro is recommended for group sharing as following:
- Guide $15 – $20/guide/day
- Cook $10 – $15/day
- Porters $8 – $10/porter/day.
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