Rongai route - Kilimanjaro

Rongai route 6 days kilimanjaro climbing trip  

Rongai route, a scenery gentle trail up to Kilimanjaro peak, starting on Nalemoru

Tanzania Tourism and Travel information offers Mount Kilimanjaro climbing trips,kilimanjaro trekking,kilimanjaro tours,kilimanjaro expeditions,kilimanjaro trekking, rongai route and many more safaris and adventures in Tanzania.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is through one of 6 famous routes named Machame, Marangu, Shira, Lemosho, Umbwe and Rongai.  

One of the criteria for success Kilimanjaro trekking expedition is choice of best favourite route. Each route will depend on physical fitness of climber and climate of his country. Adventure trekking Kilimanjaro through rongai route is believed to be most successful and enjoyable than any other route. Rongai route has also best acclimatization environment and hence provides more chances for success trekking and adventures on Kilimanjaro.  

Rongai Route. This remote and less frequently used route is the second easiest route to Kilimanjaro. The approach to the mountain is from the less-forested north side and the descent is by the Marangu Route. This route have habitat of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. It is a route which depicts ethics of responsible travel, a green travel. 

The Rongai route  is a more gradual ascent, and is therefore preferred by those with little or no backpacking experience, but is equally enjoyable to those experienced climbers.  

Every day of Kilimanjaro climbing through rongai route has unique distance, trails nature and kind of food. Below is a detailed day to day Rongai route climbing to Kilimanjaro summit.  

For your convenience read below Kilimanjaro climbing adventure trip by Rongai route.  

Get guidelines on how to book, contact us:- info@kili-tanzanitesafaris.com 

DAY 01 : Rongai Gate (1950m) - 1st Caves camp (2600m)  

Hiking time: 5h  

Distance: Approximately 8 kms  

Habitat: Forest (Montane)  

Depart from your hotel and with a transfer (approximately 2 ½ hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your professional mountain guide and porters before you begin your trek from the Nalemoru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through beautiful country. The first night's camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 metres. There is a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just down the trail below First Cave camp.  

DAY 02 : 1st Cave (2600m) - Kikelewa Cave (3600m)  

Hiking time: 6 - 7h  

Habitat: Moorlands  

The route continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you're on a really big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find some. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves).  

DAY 03 : Kikelewa Cave (3600) - Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m)  

Hiking time: 3 - 4h  

Habitat: Moorlands  

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 04 : Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) - Kibo hut (4700m)  

Hiking time: 4 - 5h  

Habitat: Alpine desert  

Proceed ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp.  

DAY 05 : (Summit Attempt) Kibo hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo hut (3720m)  

Hiking time: 8h to Uhuru, 6h to Horombo  

Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit  

Distance: Approximately 6 kms ascent, 21 kms descent  

You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman's point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route.  From Gillman's Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.  

DAY 06 : Horombo hut (at 3720m) to Marangu Gate (at 1980m)  

Hiking time: 6h  

Distance: Approximately 27 kms  

After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. View more Mt Kilimanjaro tips. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman's Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight in the hotel.  

NOTES: You are free to choose other route of your favourite. Machame,Shira,Umbwe, Marangu,Lemosho.  

Contact us: info@kili-tanzanitesafaris.com

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