Kilimanjaro climb Rongai route – 6 Days
Mount Kilimanjaro Routes
description for Kilimanjaro climb Rongai route – 6 Days
The trailhead is quite isolated and difficult to reach, therefore the path is rarely used. It begins north of Kilimanjaro, near the Kenyan border, in a densely forested area. The Rongai route usually takes 6 days and is rather easy in comparison to the others, but no Kilimanjaro route is genuinely easy.
The main issue with Rongai is that it is visually uninteresting and focuses on a section of the Kilimanjaro Forest that has been severely impacted by deforestation and exotic tree plantations, so while it is remote, it is also not the most appealing trail; additionally, it intersects with Marangu, so the illusion of isolation is only temporary. Rongai’s fourth day ends at Kibo Hut, where it joins the Marangu Route for the remaining two days. The lengthy and difficult summit day of Rongai begins at midnight on Day 4 after only around 4 hours of sleep. Rongai climbers descend the Marangu Route after reaching the Uhuru Summit in the middle of the morning on Day 5, therefore the final night on the mountain is spent at the often-crowded Horombo Hut complex.
explore day by day
DAY ONE
RONGAI GATE (1,800M/5,900FT) TO FIRST CAVE CAMP (2,600M/8,400FT)
Estimated Distance: 11km Elevation Change: +1189m Hiking Time: 6 hours Habitat: Montane Forest After breakfast in Arusha/Moshi hotel, depart to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registering at the gate, begin your climb to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. During the first day, hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first camp. Rongai ascends via the less forested northern side of the mountain. The Rongai Route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro because of the long drive to the gate. The Rongai trail is thought to have the best chance of viewing wildlife.
DAY TWO
FIRST CAVE CAMP (2,600M/8,400FT) TO KIKELEWA CAMP (3,600M/11,810FT)
Distance: 6.25km Elevation Change: +1135m Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Moorlands During this day, view Mawenzi Peak ahead while trekking through Kilimanjaro’s moorland. The Rongai route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter hiking times.
DAY THREE
KIKELEWA CAMP (3,600M/11,810FT) TO MAWENZI TARN CAMP (4,330M/14,200FT)
Distance: 7km Elevation Change: +340m Hiking Time: 4 hours Habitat: Moorlands This day is an acclimatization day, allowing you to hike in the beginning of the day and 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.
DAY FOUR
MAWENZI TARN CAMP (4,330M/14,200FT) TO KIBO CAMP (4,750M/15,580FT)
Distance: 7km Elevation Change: +400m Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine desert On this day cross the lunar landscape of the saddle before arrive at the final camp. Kibo Camp is situated directly below the Kibo cone, giving you views of your final destination-Uhuru Peak.
DAY FIVE
KIBO CAMP (4,750M/15,580FT) TO UHURU PEAK (5,895M/19,340FT) TO HOROMBO HUT
(3,720m/12,200ft) Distance: 7km ascent; 23km descent Elevation Change: +1295m -2795m Hiking time: 8h to Uhuru, 6h to Horombo Habitat: Stone screen / ice-cap summit Wake up around midnight; begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. 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 approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.
DAY SIZE
HOROMBO HUT (3,720M/12,200FT) TO MARANGU GATE (1,800M/5,905FT)
Distance: 15km Elevation Change: -1270m Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Distance: Approximately 27 km Habitat: Montane Forest 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. Africa Moja Safaris & Adventures Vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Arusha in our affiliated Hotels.
- all accommodation as per itinerary
- 4X4 safari vehicle & Fuel
- Full time English speaking driver/ guide
- All meals as indicated
- Park entrance fees
- Boat cruises
- Vehicle entrance fees
- Bottled mineral water while
- on safari
- All activities as indicated
- Tips
- Visa fees
- Air tickets
- All items of personal nature like laundry, phone calls, beer, e.t.c
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