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M O R I TOURS & SAFA R IS

7 Days Rongai Route

7DAYS 6NIGHTS RONGAI ROUTE OVERVIEW

This is one of Kilimanjaro’s easiest routes, and it has become an increasingly popular route in recent years. This route is located on the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro with a variety of spectacular landscapes together with different plants and animals species. The typical duration for this trip is 6 days. However, you can also add an acclimatization day and make it 7 day climb.
The Rongai Route is more scenic than the Marangu Route and easier than other camping route in climbing Kilimanjaro and the success rate on the Rongai Route is very high. Unlike the Marangu Route where you sleep in huts, on the Rongai Route you sleep in tents, the porter will have your tent pitched and waiting for you at the end of each days trek. 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 Route for the summit climb. The descend follows the Marangu Route on the mountain’s southeast side, so you will able see Kilimanjaro from many view points. There are two versions of this trek – a direct 6-day itinerary, and a 7-day itinerary that takes a longer route. The 6-day itinerary is described down below and the longer variation is described in the extra day’s section..

DAY BY DAY ITINERARIES

  • Day 1:Rongai Gate (1,800m/5,900ft) To First Cave Camp (2,600m/8,400ft) Elevation Gain: 760 Meters, 2,000 Feet

    After an early breakfast in Moshi, drive for approximately 5 hours to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registering at the gate, begin your climb to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. During the first day, hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first campsite. Rongai ascends via the less forested northern side of the mountain. The Rongai Route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro because of the long drive to the gate. The Rongai trail is thought to have the best chance of viewing wildlife.

  • Day 2:First Cave Camp (2,600m/8,400ft) To Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft) Elevation Gain: 1,000 Meters, 3,280 Feet

    During day two hike through Kilimanjaro's moorland. The Rongai route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter hiking times. During this day, view Mawenzi Peak ahead.

  • Day 3: Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft) To Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft) Elevation Gain: 730 Meters, 2,390 Feet

    This day is an acclimatization day, allowing you to hike in the beginning of the day and rest in the afternoon and evening. The hike is relatively short but steep. The Mawenzi Tarn campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.

  • Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft) To Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft) Elevation Gain: 420 Meters/1380 Feet

    Day four is an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn. We advise hiking a bit higher this day before returning to Mawenzi Tarn in the afternoon.

  • Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft) To Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft) Elevation Gain: 420 Meters/1380 Feet

    Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle on this day to arrive at the final campsite. Kibo Camp is situated directly below the Kibo cone, giving you views of your final destination.

  • Day 6: Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft) To Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) To Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) Elevation Gain: 1,145 Meters, 3,760 Feet Elevation Loss: 2,175 Meters, 7,140 Feet

    Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman's Point. The hike from Gilman's to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.

  • Day 7: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) To Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) Elevation Loss: 1,920 Meters, 6,295 Feet

    After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Kilimanjaro Trekking Guidevehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi. You will be able to buy t-shirts and sodas at the gate.