Kilimanjaro Climb Via Rongai.
7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Via Rongai Route
$1740-1840 USD
pp
Safari summary
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular 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). Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. Descent is made via the Marangu route.
Exuberantb Kilimanjaro Safaris offers Rongai as a seven day group climb or a six or seven private climb. The six day variation does not have an acclimatization day on day four at Mawenzi Tarn.
About this tour
| Tour type | Set-date, set-itinerary, group | |
| Main focus | Hiking | trekking | |
| Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
| Best months | All months | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Alcoholic beverages
- All drinks
- Hot air balloons
- Internal flights
- International flights
- Laundry
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave
Elevation (ft): 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft Distance: 7 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest We take a ride to Marangu to complete the necessary registration formalities, before to Rongai. The climb begins from Nale Moru (6,400 ft) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering a pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the Colobus monkey.
Camping accommodation available at all camps.
Rongai Cave 2nd Cave to Kikelewa
Elevation (ft): 9,300 ft to 11,811 ft Distance: 12 km Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Health The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (11,300 ft) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out and head southeast across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley, decorated with giant senesces near Kikelewa Caves (11,800 ft). [6-7 hours]
Camping accommodation available at all camps.
Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
Elevation (ft): 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft Distance: 5 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn hut (14,200 ft), 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. [3-4 hours ] .
Camping accommodation available at all camps.
Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to14,400 ft to 14,160 ft Distance: 4 km Hiking Time: 2-4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert A day to acclimatize with a walk up onto the Saddle towards Camel’s Back. Camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut (14,200 ft). [2-3 hours walking]
Camping accommodation available at all camps.
Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft Distance: 8 km Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert We cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) at the bottom of the crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for an early morning final ascent. [5-6 hours walking] . Dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut.
Camping accommodation available at all camps.
Kibo> Uhuru Point> Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,205 ft Distance: 22 km Hiking Time: 10-13 hours Habitat: Arctic We start the final and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We trek very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (18,600 ft). We rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Still strong can make the three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft),
Camping accommodation available at all camps.
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft Distance: 20 km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest A steady descents takes us down through moorland to Mandara Huts (8,900 ft). We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Marangu (6,000 ft), where we are transferred back to hotel in Moshi. [5-6 hours walking] END OF TREK.
At the Hotel in Moshi
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