Rongai Route (7 days)

Rongai Route (7 days)

The rongai route starts near the holili border with kenya. This route is recommended for climbers wanting to hike across the saddle. Rongai is one of the least crowded climbing routes on kilimanjaro. Duma recommends a 6 or 7-day climb of rongai.

Itinerary

Day 1: Rongai Gate (1,800m/5,900ft) to First Cave Camp (2,600m/8,400ft)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Elevation Gain: 760 meters, 2,000 feet

Hiking time: 4 – 6 hours

After an early breakfast in Arusha, drive for about 5 hours to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registering at the gate, begin your climb to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. First hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first campsite. Rongai ascends via the less forested northern side of the mountain.

The Rongai Route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro because of the long drive to the gate. The Rongai trail is thought to have the best chance of viewing wildlife.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at First Cave Camp (2,600m/8,400ft)

Day 2: First Cave Camp (2,600m/8,400ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Elevation Gain: 1,000 meters, 3,280 feet

Hiking time: 4 – 6 hours

Hike through Kilimanjaro's moorland. The Rongai route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter hiking times. During the hike, view Mawenzi Peak ahead.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft)


Day 3: Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Elevation Gain: 730 meters, 2,390 feet

Hiking time: 4 – 6 hours

This more leisurely acclimatization day starts with a morning hike followed by a rest in the afternoon and evening. The hike is relatively short but steep. The Mawenzi Tarn campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft)


Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Day four is an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn. We advise hiking a bit higher this day before returning to Mawenzi Tarn in the afternoon.

Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft)


Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Elevation Gain: 420 meters/1380 feet

Hiking time: 4 – 6 hours

Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle on this day to arrive at the final campsite. Kibo Camp is situated directly below the Kibo cone, giving you stunning uninterrupted views of your final destination.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 6: Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters, 3,760 feet

Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters, 7,140 feet

Hiking time: 6 hours to the rim, 1.5 hours to Uhuru, 4 hours to Kibo, 4 hours to Horombo

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Hike by the light of your flashlight for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman's Point.

The hike from Gilman's to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes about two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.
Duration: 15 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)


Day 7: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Elevation Loss: 1,920 meters, 6,295 feet

Hiking time: 6 – 8 hours

After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Arusha. You can purchase t-shirts and sodas at the gate.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.