7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Rongai Route
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has a low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation).
The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. This route descends down the Marangu route. Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience, Tanzaniaflow tours will ensure that your trekking is safe and confortable
6Days Rongai Route Itinerary
DAY 1 — To First Cave 1950m to 2600m 6400ft to 8500ft About 4 hours Transfer by Land Rover/Land cruiser (about 3 hours) to the attractive wooden village of Nale Muru (1950 m). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2600 m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
DAY 2 — To Kikelewa Camp 2600m to 3600m 8500ft to 11,800ft About 7 hours The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (3450 m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios near Kikelewa Camp (3600 m).
DAY 3 — To Mawenzi Tarn 3600m to 4330m 11,800ft to 14,200ft About 4 hours A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330 m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
DAY 4 — To Kibo Camp 4330m to 4750m 14,200ft to 15,600ft About 5 hours Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4750 m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night!
DAY 5 — To Summit and Horombo Hut 4750m to 5895m (and down to 3720m) 15,600ft to 19,300ft (and down to 12,200ft) About 11 hours Begin the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. Proceed very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5685 m) Rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5895 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4700 m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, continue the descent to reach the final campsite at Horombo (3720 m).
DAY 6 –Moshi Elevation (ft): 12,200ft to 5500ft Elevation (m): 3720m to 1700m, Hiking Time: 5-7 hours After breakfast, A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2700m), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. Continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1830 m). At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Transfer to Moshi.