6 Days Trekking Tour Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
brief overview
The six-day Rongai option is the only route that climbs the northern part of the mountain close to the national border with Kenya. This route is becoming more and more popular because of its breathtaking and unique nature and views. You will hike through real wilderness for several days before you follow the last part of the Marangu Route from Kibo Camp. Caves along the way offer interesting excursions.
The route takes you over the drier north-eastern side of Kilimanjaro and offers views of Kenya’s National Parks. On this route climbers pass the only mountain lake in the National Park. The trails are well developed and lead through coniferous and rainforest up to the alpine zone. Although the Rongai route is generally considered an easier option, the stages in the summit area with lots of scree and pebbles are a bit more demanding. The descent is via the Marangu Route and follows the green rainforest on the south side with well maintained hiking trails.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha / Moshi
Transfer from Kilimanjaro airport or Arusha bus terminal (e.g. from Nairobi) to your accommodation in Moshi or Arusha.
Day 2: Moshi – Nalemoru Gate (1,990 m) – Simba Camp (2,625 m)
altitude Δ: 630 m, distance: approx. 8 km, time required: approx. 3-4 hours
After breakfast you drive around the base of Kilimanjaro Mountain towards northwest and after a long drive on bumpy roads you reach the Nalemoru Gate. When you have completed the formalities, your last step before the tour starts is to sing into the mountaineering book. Your path will initially lead you through a forest zone managed by local farmers. After a 4-hour hike you will reach Simba Camp, where you will spend the night. Your cooks and porters will set out before you to pitch tents and prepare dinner. Dinner is followed by an overnight stay in tents.
Day 3: Simba Camp (2,625 m) – Kikelewa Camp (3,630 m)
altitude Δ: 1000 m, distance: approx. 9 km, time required: approx. 6 hours
On this day you will hike through the heath and moorland areas with magnificent views of the jagged peaks of Mawenzi and the vast Kenyan steppes. Lunch is at the so called Second Cave at 3450m. After a short rest you cross hilly terrain and reach Kikelewa Camp. Here you will be rewarded with an incredible view after an exhausting day. Enjoy the silence on the mountain and the view of the national parks in Kenya. Dinner followed by an overnight stay in tents.
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp (3,630 m) – Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,310 m)
altitude Δ: 680 m, distance: approx. 6 km, time required: approx. 4 hours
After a hearty breakfast you will begin with today’s stage. The path leads you through increasingly sparse vegetation, after a short time you reach the alpine Kilima zone. The route now becomes a little more demanding and leads you through unreal rock formations. On a clear day you will have a great view of the endless steppe in the north during the whole hike. After 4 to 5 hours you finally reach the Mawenzi Hut, one of the most beautiful in the National Park. Dinner and overnight stay at the Mawenzi Hut.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,310 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
altitude Δ: 400 m, distance: approx. 9 km, time required: approx. 5 hours
Today, a steep but relatively short ascent to the vicinity of Mawenzi Peak (one of the three highest peaks of Kilimanjaro) is on the agenda. On your way you will cross a desert-like plateau, almost without vegetation, which connects the two peaks Kibo and Mawenzi. When you have reached your daily destination Kibo Hut after 6 hours, get ready for a short night. Your summit attempt starts very early around midnight. Dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut.
Day 6: Kibo Hut (4,700 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
altitude Δ: 2,200 m, distance: approx. 23 km, time required: approx. 12-14 hours
Around midnight the summit ascent begins: from Kibo Hut via Gillmans Point (5,685 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), then back to Horombo Hut. You normally start your summit attempt between midnight and 2.00 am, so you can watch the sunrise at Gillman’s Point. The steep trail leads you first to Hans Meyer Cave and finally to the crater rim with a magnificent view of the glaciers. At Gilman’s Point (5,681 m) you will gather your strength for the final summit push. You will pass Stella Point and the Ratzel and Rebmann Glaciers on your way to the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Hongera (congratulations in Kiswahili) for a successful Kilimanjaro ascent! The descent is the same way and on your return to Kibo Hut a warm meal awaits you. After a short rest you will start the last part of today’s long stage, the way back to Horombo Hut. Dinner and overnight stay at Horombo Hut.
Day 7: Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Marangu Gate (1,860 m) – Arusha / Moshi
Height Δ : 1,900 m, distance: approx. 17 km, time required: approx. 5-7 hours
Your last day takes you back through the heath and moorland zone to the Mandara Hut, where a warm lunch awaits you. Soon you are back in the lush tropical rainforest and after about 6 to 7 hours of hiking you are back at Marangu Gate. After saying goodbye to your team, our driver will return to your preferred accommodation.
Day 7: Arusha / Moshi
After breakfast transfer to the central bus station, to the airline office in the city for your shuttle bus to the airport or extension e.g. Northern Circuit Safari or onward flight to Zanzibar.
