7-Day Climbing Rongai Route

7-Day climbing Rongai Route

Trip Overview ~ 7-day climbing Rongai Route

7-day climbing Rongai Route is the only route to Kilimanjaro that originates from the northern slopes of the mountain. This area of the Mountain rarely sees an influx of hikers-it is, however, no less fascinating than the popular southern and western slopes. We recommend it especially to those who appreciate hiking experiences that are solitary and secluded. The trip to the starting point-Nalemuru Gate-usually takes about 3-4 hours from the hotel.

Rongai is also the only route to Mawenzi, a volcanic cone of Kilimanjaro and the third tallest peak of Africa. On the return leg, you pass via Marangu, so that you can experience both flanks of the mountain for 7-day climbing Rongai Route

While the itinerary options for 7-day climbing Rongai Route are of six or seven days, the longer option is recommended for acclimatization motivation transitions. Arrive in Tanzania Meal: Breakfast and dinner included Pickup up from Kilimanjaro international airport and transfer to your hotel, after which a professional guide will come for a briefing about the trekking and equipment check for any mountain gear you may lack. Finally, you will spend the night at your hotel.

Full Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2570m)

Distance covered: 8 km

Approximate time taken: 4 hours

Habitat: Tropical Rain Forest

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation: Camping

A guide and a mountain support crew will visit your hotel to meet you this morning, hold a very short briefing, and then take you by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park’s northern entrance: Nalemuru Gate (2,020m/6627f). After the quick formalities for climbing permit acquisition and registration with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Simba Camp (2,671m/8612f). This day will have you trekking moderately through coniferous forest up Kilimanjaro’s northern slope. Don’t be in a rush; walk at a pace comfortable for you. Our professional mountain crew will have prepared everything necessary by the time you reach camp, erected tents, and begun preparing your dinner.

Day 2 -Simba Camp (2570m) to 2nd Cave Camp (3450m)

Distance covered: 5 km

Approximate time taken: 3 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation: Camping

Continue descending into the moorland foothills to the second camp. Today, you will have a good view of Kibo and the eastern ice fields at the rim of the crater. Overnight at 2nd cave camp (3450m).

Day 3: 3 - 2nd Cave Camp (3480m) to KikelelwaCamp (3630m)

Distance covered: 5 km

Approximate time taken: 3 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation: Camping

Kibo, which is the highest of the three volcanoes forming the mountain, has yet another beautiful day and superlatively impressive views of eastern ice fields on the crater rims. The moorland zone is crossed on a shorter trail heading to the jagged peaks of Mawenzi (5140 m), taking 3 hours to reach Kikelelwa for lunch and overnight.

Day 4: Kikelelwa Camp (3630 m) to Mawenzi Tan Hut (4330m)

Distance covered: 8 km

Approximate time taken: 4 hours

Habitat: Semi desert

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation: Hut

Trust you are prepared today for a short, but steep ascent, which you will climb up grassy slopes that will reward you with stunning all-round views and a palpable sense of wilderness. In a rocky cirque situated directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi, the campsite is situated. You have free time later in the afternoon that you can use to rest or to explore the surrounding areas as an aid to acclimatization. Overnight at Mawenzi Tan Hut (4330m).

Day 5: - Mawenzi Tan Hut (4330m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

Distance covered: 8 km

Approximate time taken: 5 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation: Hut

You will cross the lunar desert between Kibo and Mawenzi, intending to reach the Kibo Hut. In the afternoon, you shall be lazing and having lunch in Kibo while preparing for the summit bid at midnight.

Day 6: Summit Day

Distance covered: 22 km

Approximate time taken: 13 hours

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation: Hut

Start climbing at about 00:00. This stage is said to be the steepest and most challenging. Your guide will set a very standard pace to you (walk slowly). In the darkness, it will take 5 hours to reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (5685 m), where you will take a little rest while having a cup of tea and appreciating the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. You will continue for almost one hour to the world’s highest point, UHURU Peak (5895 m). You will be passing close to the spectacular glacier and ice diffs that still occupy most of the summit area. After taking pictures at the top of Africa, you will start walking down to Kibo Hut for a short break and hot lunch before moving to Horombo Hut. Spend the night at Horombo hut.

Day 7: Horombo Hut (3720m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

Distance covered: 20 km

Approximate time taken: 7 hours

Meal: Breakfast, and lunch included

Accommodation: Hut

On the final day, you will hike from the heath and moorland zone to Mandara Hut (2700 m) for hot lunch and continue downhill through a tropical rain forest until you reach the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate where you will pick up your certificates for finishing the other park formalities, after which the car will take you to the hotel in Moshi, and you will enjoy a warm shower. Definitely time to celebrate!