Mountain Kilimanjaro Climbing 6 Days Rongai Route

Mountain Kilimanjaro Climbing 6 Days Rongai Route

Rongai route:

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. 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 days are recommended. Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. This route descends down the Marangu route. Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.

Itinerary

Day 1: Nalemoru GateTo Simba Camp

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
This morning we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos on route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Simba Camp

Day 2: Simba Camp To Kikelewa Camp

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
We hike from Simba camp up towards Kibo till 3 482m for lunch at First Caves, a distance of 5.8km. After lunch we continue trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3679 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water can be found in a obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelewa camp.

Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Kikelewa Camp

Day 3: Kikelewa Cave To Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
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.

Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp To Kibo Hut

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
After breakfast we head west and continue 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 hut.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Kibo Hut

Day 5: Kibo Hut To Uhuru Peak & Then To Horombo Hut

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
You will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and 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. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.

Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it
Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest at Kibo hot, you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your 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 a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Duration: 15 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Horombo Hut

Day 6: Horombo Hut To Marangu Gate

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
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.
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 descent bed and celebrations!!

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Hotel