MT. KILIMANJARO – RONGAI ROUTE
9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS ITINERARY
Route Portrayal:
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. Through the midst of the moorland and heather precinct; trekkers enjoy a spectacular rear view of Kibo peak and Mawenzi peak from different perspective. 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 or eight days are recommended.
Daily Itinerary:
DAY 1
Drive to the hotel/lodge: 45mins – 1:30 Hours
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Wilfred Moshi / Jombi will be there to assist you with immigration procedures and transfer you to your hotel / Lodge.
DAY 2
Village Tour
Full Day activity
After climbing briefing and review of the trekking gears and itinerary drive to local village for site seeing and learning about local culture and its history. This will involve visiting traditional house and black smith in the surrounding villages. During briefing your guide will be able to tell what to bring on this full day exploration of local community activities. You will get to try traditional food during the visit.
DAY 3
HOURS: 2 – 3
TERRAIN: Gentle uphill flatter ground.
ZONE: Timber and Natural Forest
RONGAI GATE (6,600 ft. / 2,000 m) ~ SIMBA CAVES CAMP (9,285FT / 2,830M)
Departure from Moshi / Arusha at 8am, about 5 hours drive to the Rongai gate. After administrative formalities and meeting with porters and guides, begin the walk to the first camp. The walk is at a leisurely pace through timber forest, maize and potatoes fields and then into the natural forest. Arrive at your camp (Simba Cave Camp) for overnight and a hot meal. This camp is set in the heather and has magnificent view of Mawenzi peak towards East.
DAY 4
HOURS: 5 – 7
TERRAIN: Gentle up hill few rocks, few dry streams to cross.
ZONE: Heather
SIMBA CAMP ~ KIKELELWA CAMP (11,800FT / 3600M)
This is one of the nice days to make up your acclimatization. Beginning by heading east. The track leads into tall and then short heather, and so best view of Mawenzi peak as you hike. It’s a bit long day since the two camps (Second Cave and Kikelelwa camps have about the same elevation). You will stop for lunch at 2nd Cave Camp then continue for few hours to Kikelelwa camp. Enjoy scene around and take lots of photos. At Kikelelwa camp there a dramatic scene to see around late in the evening during sunset and early in the morning during sunrise; Kibo peak (your main goal) is towards west.
DAY 5
HOURS: 3 – 5
TERRAIN: Continue up hill and down through rocks
ZONE: Moorland and highland desert
KIKELELWA CAMP ~ MAWENZI TARN HUT (14,200FT / 4,355M)
The trek begins by going up hill into the different shrubs then emerges on to the moorland and eventually into the stark highland desert. Have you camera handy as there are nice view of dead Giant Senecio in the gorges along the trail. On a clear day, enjoy the stunning sight of Kibo peak from that side as well as Mawenzi as you are heading towards the camp. You will arrive at the camp just in time for hot lunch and rest.
DAY 6
HOURS: 2 – 3 ACCLIMATIZATION DAY
TERRAIN: Up hill and rocks
ZONE: Highland Desert
MAWENZI TARN HUT (14,200FT / 4,355M)
This is a good day for a rest and acclimatization for those who need it and are feeling strong to do the walk. There are several walks one can take, we recommend people to take to the edge of the saddle that leads back to through base of Mawenzi peak. Remember to take you camera and water.
DAY 7
HOURS: 4 – 5
TERRAIN: Up and down, gentle up hill as you cross saddle
ZONE: Moorland and highland / alpine desert
KIKELELWA CAMP – SCHOO HUT (15,585FT / 4,750M)
Kind of you will be going to the same trail you came-in but divert to the left and start going towards Kibo Peak. There will be few up and down before get into the saddle. Because of the cold wind blowing from the saddle temperatures turn cold as you gain elevation to the School Hut. Have your fleece gloves and a hat. Use the rest of afternoon to make right decision with your guide about the clothing for the night. Dinner will be server earlier than previous nights to allow an early rest.
DAY 8
TOTAL HOURS: 12 – 14
TERRAIN: Steep slopes, Zig Zags and scree with some boulders
ZONE: Alpine desert / Summit / Semi arid / Moorland / Heather
SCHOOL HUT ~ UHURU PEAK (19,340FT /5,896M) ~ HOROMBO CAMP (13,200FT. /3,950M)
If you have any meal preference before leave for the summit let you guide know before you go to bed. You are awoken before midnight to have something to eat, and then depart the camp for the summit. Along the way you pass by / make stop over Hans Meyer cave, the place is named after famous Kilimanjaro first western climber. After 5 – 6 hours of hike you will reach the rim of the crater at Gillman’s Point (18,750 ft. / 5,712 m). The trail to the summit from Gilman’s point is less demanding, and is reached after a further 1½-2 hours. The coldest time is between 03H00 – 06H00 (-10 to -20° C) 14 F – 4 F. You will spend sometimes at Uhuru depending on the weather condition. The descending to Kibo hut is 3 hours, there is a break for rest & food, then continue down to Horombo Camp for about 3 to 4 hours.
DAY 9
HOURS: 4 – 6
TERRAIN: Well maintained path neither so steeply nor rocky
ZONE: Heather / Natural Forest
HOROMBO CAMP ~ MARANGU GATE (5,900FT. / 1,800M)
This is a day out, a day for the shower. Begin hike around 08H00 to Marangu gate through Mandara Hut for Lunch. Upon arrival at the get you will require to do administrative formalities then you will be awarded climbing certificates. Transfer back to you hotel in Moshi / Arusha for a much-welcomed shower!
You will be able to precede with Safari of catch your flight back home depending on what your plans are.
Book now with us for USD 3260 per person double occupancy minimum 2 persons.