6 Days – Rongai Route, Kilimanjaro

Description & Routing

At its 5,895 m Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and is often known as ‘The rooftop of Africa’. Mount Kilimanjaro towers nearby Moshi in Tanzania.

The Rongai route is the only route that starts from the north eastern side of Mount Kilimanjaro which is close to the Kenyan border, due to its remote location the Rongai route has much lower traffic compared to the other Mount Kilimanjaro routes. This route retains a sense of un spoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective while climbing Kilimanjaro.

The Rongai route is flatter than other Mount Kilimanjaro routes and generally considered as one of the easiest however it does not offer the advantage of trekking high and sleeping low due to its topography.
The Rongai route is normally trekked in 6 days but can be trekked in 7 days which is highly recommended for acclimatization. This Rongai trekking route has a total of 74,5 km.
The summit night from Kibo hut follows the same path as for the trekkers on the Marangu route through Gilman`s point to Uhuru peak.
The Rongai route ascends on the northern side and descends on the south eastern side of the mountain via the Marangu route. The scenery is not as varied compared to the western routes but the remoteness is what make some pick this route.

Mega Adventures recommends the trail for those who have less experience climbing or are unprepared, those looking for a more remote hike and less traffic.

The main difference between the 6 and 7 days Rongai route is the acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn hut.

Day 1 (Rongai Gate (Nale Moru Gate) 1,950 m – Simba Camp 2,830 m):

In the morning depart Mount Kilimanjaro National Park.

Distance: 8 km

Hiking time: 3-4 hrs

Habitat: Rain forest

Day 2 (Simba Camp 2,830 m  – Kikelewa Cave 3,600 m):

Depart after breakfast for Kikelewa Cave.

Distance: 12 km

Hiking time: 6-8 hrs

Habitat: Moorland

Day 3 (Kikelewa Cave 3,600 m –  Mawenzi Tarn Hut 4,315 m):

After breakfast depart for Mawenzi Tarn Hut.

Distance: 5 km

Hiking time: 3-4 hrs

Habitat: Moorland

Day 4 (Mawenzi Tarn Hut 4,315 m – Kibo Hut 4,703 m):

Depart after breakfast for Kibo Hut.

Distance: 8 km

Hiking time: 5-6 hrs

Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 5 (Kibo Hut 4,703 m – Uhuru Peak 5,895 m – Horombo Hut 3,720 m):

An early start at around  01:00hrs to climb steeply to the great summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak.

Ascending distance: 6 km

Ascending hiking time: 6-8 hrs

Ascending habitat: Arctic

Descending distance: 16 km

Descending hiking time: 4-5 hrs

Descending habitat: Alpine desert and Moorland

Day 6 (Horombo Hut 3,720 m – Marangu Gate 1,843 m):

After breakfast depart for marangu gate.

Distance: 20 km

Hiking time: 7-9 hrs

Habitat: Moorland and Rain forest

At arrival at the Marangu Gate you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi.

MAP

Inclusive Of:

• Pick up and drop off from Moshi/ Arusha on the date of climb.
• 3 meals a day on the climb.
• Goverment Taxes.
• Porters, chef and guide.
• Park fees, Fees for the huts, Fees for armed rangers
• Equipment for the huts (except own sleeping bags available for hire $35 per trip)
• Bottled Water (on day one).

Exclusive Of:

• Tipping to the guide and porters.
• Airport transfers (Available upon request)
• Travel Insurance.
• Accommodation before and after the climb (can be arranged for)

Booking