Rongai Route 6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing – the Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from its north eastern side. This less frequented route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness as you pass through alpine meadows and giant vegetation.
Rongai Route 6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing
The topography of the Rongai route does not allow for the application of the climb high and sleep low principle and hikers generally suffer more from altitude sickness on the Rongai route compared to other routes (an additional acclimatisation day is highly recommended on this route).
Elevation (metres): 1950m to 2626m – Distance: 7kms – Hiking Time: 4-5 hrs
After breakfast, drive to Marangu gate for registration before continuing to the Rongai trailhead (3 hrs). Start your Kilimanjaro climb from the Nale Moru village, the trek is initially through plantations then rain forest and finally bush country. The trail is not steep, but rather a gentle hike through beautiful country. Overnight at First Cave campsite; camp facilities include public toilet, wooden table with benches but no hut.
Elevation (metres): 2626m to 3600m – Distance: 12 kms – Hiking Time: 6-7 hrs
The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelewa Cave. 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 to find some. Overnight at Kikelewa camp.
Elevation (metres): 3600m to 4330m – Distance: 6 Kms – Hiking Time: 3-4 hrs
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.
Optional: Extra Day
Elevation (metres): 4330m to 4703m – Distance: 9kms – Hiking Time: 5-6 hrs
Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo on your way to Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent which begins at midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp.
Elevation (metres): 4703m to 5895m to 3720m
Distance and Hiking Time:
An early start for the Kilimanjaro summit. Just after midnight, start the climb to Gillman’s point on the crater rim; this section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Continuing, you will then ascend to Uhuru Peak; the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, spend a few minutes on the summit taking photos before beginning the descent. Stop for brunch at Kibo hut before proceeding with the descent to Horombo hut, reaching in the afternoon.
Elevation (metres): 3720m to 1970m – Distance: 20kms – Hiking Time: 5-7 hrs
After breakfast you continue the descent, passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates; climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!
