Itinerary Summary:
The only path that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north and is close to the Kenyan border is the Rongai route. Despite growing in prominence with climbers, Rongai is not very busy. It is the recommended route for climbers who want a less congested alternative to the busy Marangu route, who want a more remote walk, and who are doing it during the rainy season.
Six days are the bare least needed for this trek, while seven days are advised. Rongai makes up for the lack of variety in the scenery by traveling through genuine wilderness areas for days before connecting to the Marangu route at Kibo camp. The Marangu route is descended on this route. Rongai is a route that is relatively challenging and is highly advised, especially for people who have little prior backpacking experience.
Full Itinerary:
Rongai Route 7 Days
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
You will be met by your guide, who will give you a briefing on your forthcoming trip and check your equipment to make sure you have all the appropriate mountain gear when you are picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and taken to your hotel in Moshi town. On this day, the missing equipment can be rented.
Day 2: Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp
- Altitude: 1,990 m to 2,625 m
- Distance: 8 km
- Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hours
To begin the Rongai path, we will travel this morning to the town of Nale Moru. The trek’s initial section passes through farms and pine trees. On the way, you might get an opportunity to observe the stunning Colobus monkeys or, if you’re lucky, elephants or buffalo. The Simba Camp, which is 2625 meters above sea level and next to a moorland zone, will be our first camp.
Day 3: Simba Camp to 2nd Cave Camp
- Altitude: 2,625 m to 3,480 m
- Distance: 5 km
- Trekking Time: 3 – 4 hours
The Second Cave Camp, which is in the moorland zone and has spectacular views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim, is reached after a morning climb that involves a gradual ascent.
Day 4: Kikelewa Cave – Mawenzi Tarn camp
- Altitude: 3,679 m to 4,303 m
- Distance: 8 km
- Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hours
Excellent views of this wilderness area are available after a short but difficult trek up grassy slopes. Shortly before you get to your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, which is magnificently positioned beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi, the vegetation zone ends. The afternoon should be used for exploration and acclimatization.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn camp – Kibo hut
- Altitude: 4,303 m to 4,730 m
- Distance: 8 km
- Trekking Time: 5 – 6 hours
We leave for the west after breakfast and continue climbing the mountain on the east side of Kibo, traversing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. Resting up for the final ascent, which starts after midnight, takes up the remainder of the day. a night spent at Kibo hut.
Day 6: Kibo hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo hut
- Altitude: 4,730 m to 5, 895 m to 3705 m
- Distance: 12 – 15 km
- Trekking Time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo
The going gets really difficult once you wake at around 23:20 and head out into the darkness after having some tea and biscuits. The Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), which also serves as an excellent resting location, is reached along a rocky path in the trail’s initial portion.
At Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is situated on the crater rim, the path then ascends in a zigzag pattern. This stretch requires a lot of physical and mental work because it is very steep and covered in stone scree. Most likely, this is the toughest part of the entire course. Slow down and perform the Kili shuffle. Snow typically covers the entire distance from Gillmans Point to Uhuru Peak (5895m), Africa’s highest point.
Complete joy and fulfillment – you succeeded
How long you have to take pictures before the three-hour descent back to Kibo hut depends on the weather conditions at the peak. After a brief pause at Kibo Hot, you gather the equipment that you had left behind for the ascent and go (3 hours) to Horombo Hut, where you will spend the night. In comparison to the ascent, the trip back to Horombo Hut will seem fairly quick. Be ready for a really challenging day because you will be walking for almost 14 hours in total. Later in the evening, you eat your final meal on the mountain (with soft drinks and beer available for purchase at the camp office) before a well-earned night of restful sleep, accompanied by vivid memories and stirring emotions.
Day 7: Horombo hut – Marangu Gate
- Altitude: 3,705 m to 1,860 m
- Distance: 29 km
- Trekking Time: 6 hours
After breakfast, you continue the 6-hour descent to the Marangu gate through the Mandara lodge. It is strongly advised that you wait to tip your porters until you and all of your equipment have arrived at the entrance securely.
You enter your name and contact information in a register at Marangu gate. Successful climbers can also pick up their summit certificates here. Green certificates are given to climbers who made it to Gillman’s Point (5685 m), while gold awards are given to those who made it to Uhuru Peak (5895 m).
You now return to Moshi via car for a much-needed hot shower, food, a comfortable bed, and celebrations!
Day 8: Depart Tanzania
After the hike, you have the rest of the day to relax before your trip home. You might visit Moshi town and buy some souvenirs before going to the airport, depending on your travel schedule.
If you want to continue experiencing Tanzania, add-ons like safaris and trips to Zanzibar are also available.
