7 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing

7 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing - Rongai Route

Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours

Overview.

The Rongai Route is the only route that appraoches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. Rongai's ascent profile is very similar to that of Marangu. It is one of Kilimanjaro's easier routes. The climb to the top is gradual and steady. However, unlike Marangu, this route has low crowds and passes through remote wilderness areas. It is probably the only route where seeing wildlife in the first days is possible.

The route takes six days minimum to complete, although seven days is recommended. The descent is down Mweka, on the south-east side of the mountain. Because the starting point is far from Moshi, it is more expensive to climb this route due to the added transportation cost of getting climbers to the gate.

Scenically, Rongai is beautiful because it travels through an unspoiled rain forest and remote wilderness area. However, it is not as scenically varied as Machame, Lemosho and Shira.

Rongai is ideal for those who are not confident in their ability to hike over steeper paths, those who want to avoid traffic, and those who want to enjoy a quieter hike. It is also preferred when climbing during the rainy season because the north side of the mountain receives less precipitation.

Day 1 Rongai Gate | Rongai Cave

You drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead (6,398ft). The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey. It will take you to about 4 hours treking in the rain forest about 8km to Rongai Cave elevation of (9,300ft).

Day 2 Rongai Cave | Second Cave | Kikelewa Cave

You begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave elevation of (11,300ft) about 6 km the trek may take about 4hours. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi another 6km and about 4hours, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave elevation of (11,811ft) for the night.

Day 3 Kikelewa Cave | Mawenzi Tern

The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope 5 km trekking that taes about 4 hours. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area of elevation to (14,160ft).

Day 4 Mawenzi Tern | Mawenzi Ridge | Mawenzi Tern

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge for 4 hours to cover 4km. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp elevation of (14,400ft) and come back to the same elevation of (14,160ft).

Day 5 Mawenzi Tarn | Kibo Hut

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo elevation of (15,430ft) it’s a trekking of 8km that takes you about 6 hours. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Day 6 Kibo Hut | Uhuru Peak | Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa at elevation of (19,341ft).

After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut elevation of (12,250ft). Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep having trek for about 13hours.

Day 7 Horombo Hut | Marangu Gate

On our last day, you will have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest anout 20km which will take you 7hours. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate elevation of (6,046ft), you will collect your summit certificates. A vehicle will meet you here and drive you back to the hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

What's included in this package

Transportation in a custom safari minibus with pop-up roof ideal for game viewing and sightseeing.
Services of a professionally trained and experienced English speaking driver/guide
Full board accommodation in the lodges as mentioned
Bottled water for use during the safari
Game drives and all park entry fees

What's not included in this package

Your International Flight transportation to and From Nairobi
Personal expenses like visa fees, travel/baggage insurance, laundry, beverages, tips etc.
Christmas, New Year and Easter supplements