7 Days Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Climb
Panoramic Views on Mount Kilimanjaro
The Rongai Route is the only route to ascend up the North side of the mountain, originating close to the Kenyan border. It is considered one of the easiest routes up Mt. Kilimanjaro and boasts a high success rate for reaching the summit. However, it is one of the less-frequently used routes, mostly attributed to the long drive required to reach the gate on day one. This has its advantages though, as it is less crowded and therefore a quieter way to ascend the mountain.
Because the northern side of the mountain tends to be drier than other areas, the ascent on the first day is not wet and muddy like on other routes. This first day is a very gentle climb through fields, a beautiful forest, and on day two enters moorland terrain. Day three takes you through the alpine desert zone, where you will sleep directly underneath the grand Mawenzi Peak, the only route to afford you such a view of Kilimanjaro’s 2nd highest peak. From here there is ample time set aside for acclimatization and resting in preparation for the final ascent to the summit.
This route meets up with the Marangu Route upon descent, allowing climbers a different view of the mountain on the way down. Although Rongai climbers do not experience the rainforest on day one, they are given the chance on the final day before reaching the Marangu Gate where the climb concludes.
INCLUDED
- 2 nights hotel stay before the start date and on last day of the trek including breakfast
- Arrival and departure transfers from airport
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents (or hut fees for Marangu route)
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- All Park fees
- Oxygen tank
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain (Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food)
- Porters, cook salaries and their park fees(Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO))
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Crisis management and safety procedures
EXCLUDED
- Your flights/visas
- Tips to the mountain staff (Much appreciated)
- Meals other than breakfast while in the hotel and Alcohol, beverages, cigarettes, snacks, etc
- Personal gear like sleeping bag, hiking poles, etc. (Can be rented on arrival from us)
- Portable toilets – can be provided for USD 80 per toilet
Day 1: Moshi/Marangu to Rongai Gate (Nalemoru) to Simba Camp
- Elevation: 2000m to 2650m, Distance: 6km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest,
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave
- Elevation: 2650m to 3450m, Distance: 6km, Walking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
- Elevation: 3450m to 3600m, Distance: 9km, Walking Time: 2-3 hours, Habitat: Semi-desert,
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Turn Hut
- Elevation: 3600m to 4330m, Distance: 6km, Walking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Semi-desert
Day 5: Acclimatization day (6 day itinerary skips this day)
- Elevation: 4330m to 4750m, Distance: 9km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 4700m to 5895m & down to 3700m, Distance: 6km up & 15km down, Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up & 15km down, Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, to Moshi/Marangu
- Elevation: 3700m to 1700m, Distance: 20km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Forest