7 Days Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Trekking
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This is a 7-day Rongai route itinerary variation with an extra day for acclimatization. Gradually sloping towards the summit, Uhuru Peak, the Rongai route begins from the Northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Enduimet Adventure Safaris recommends this route for climbers that have no previous climbing experience in higher altitudes and first-timers with little or no mountaineering experience.
Trip Highlights
- On your way to the summit using the Rongai Route, you will traverse a variety of vegetation and climate zones starting with the rain forests on the lower altitudes, then moorlands, grassy slopes, alpine deserts as you climb higher, and tropical rainforests as you descend the mountain, on your way down towards the Marangu Gate.
- The Rongai Route is scenic and has less traffic from climbers making it perfect for private Kilimanjaro climbing and intimate groups.
- To combat the high altitude sickness problem, we recommend that you add an extra day for acclimatization when planning the Rongai route.
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
You will be driven from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for about 5 hours to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registering at the gate, we take the 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.
Especially interesting is that the Rongai route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro because of the long drive to the gate. Furthermore the Rongai route is thought to have the best chance of viewing wildlife.
Distance: 9km
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
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.
Distance: 6km
Walking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
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.
Habitat: Alpine Desert
This iss an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn. We advise you hiking a bit higher this day before returning to Mawenzi Tarn in the afternoon.
Distance: 4km
Walking Time: 3 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
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.
Distance: 6 km ascent/16km descent
Walking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
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.
Hiking time: 6 – 8 hours
Distance: 20km
Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorlands
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 your hotel.
This Tour Includes
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation at Parkview Inn or Kilimanjaro wonders Hotel
- Mountain Equipment, Sleeping tents, Kitchen tents, Porters, Guides and Chef
- Tents, Table and Chairs, Food utensils and so on.
- All Park fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
This Tour Excludes
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation in Arusha
- Tanzania Visa
- Gratuity
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed above
- Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
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