| Duration | Kilometers | Departure Elevation | Route |
| 7 days | Approx. 51kms | 2.364m | By Gilman’s Point |
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 less crowds.
Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. This is an alternative route of the popular Marangu and the favourite way during the rainy season because the north part of the Mount Kilimanjaro receives less rain.
Rongai Route is a second easiest route after Marangu route and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
SafaKili Adventures offers two options for this route: a 7 days climb or 6 days climb.
The 6 day variation does not have the additional acclimatization day offered with the 7 days climb.
Success Rate of the climb: For all operators combined, it is estimated that the 6 days Rongai route has a success rate of approximately 50% and the 7 days Rongai route has a success rate of about 70%.
ITINERARY OF RONGAI ROUTE, DAY BY DAY
- DAY 1
- Elevation: From 2.364m to 2.871m
- Habitat: Rain forest
- From Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
- Distance: 7kms
- Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
We leave Moshi in the early morning and we’ll drive for three hours until we reach Rongai Gate.
As the start of the trek makes us cross the rain forest, we recommend you to have your walking sticks and gaiters close to you. This forest hosts the black and white Colobus Monkeys.
- DAY 2
- Elevation: From 2.871m to 3.850m
- Habitat: Moorland
- From Simba Camp to Kikelewa Cave Camp
- Distance: 14kms
- Hiking time: 9 to 10 hours
This is one of the longest walking day of the trek. We will have a short break at Second Cave before leaving and walking again up to Kikelewa Cave.
- DAY 3
- Elevation: From 3.850m to 4.215m
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- From Kikelewa Cave Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut
- Distance: 5kms
- Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
The hike for this day is short and steep up. After your arrival to the camp, hot lunch will be provided. Then you will have enough time to rest. This day, your body can feel challenged by the altitude so resting is necessary.
- DAY 4
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- From Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Mawenzi Ridge (and back)
- Distance: 2kms
- Hiking time: 1 to 2 hours
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and we hike on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views on Kibo and Mawenzi.
After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn hut camp for a great lunch and rest.
- DAY 5
- Elevation: From 4.215m to 4.720m
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- From Mawenzi Tarn Hut Camp to Kibo Hut
- Distance: 8kms
- Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
We climb gradually, then we cross the desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo.
Our camp, Kibo Hut, is situated at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once arrived there, we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day
- DAY 6
- Elevation: From 4.720m to the summit: 5.895m
- Habitat: Ice Caps/Arctic
- From Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and down to Horombo Camp
- Distance: 15kms
- Hiking time: 10 to 11 hours
Very early in the night (around midnight), we continue our way to the summit.
This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek.
The wind and cold at this elevation can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for few hours before the sunrise. At Gilman’s point (5686m) you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.
At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro: CONGRATULATIONS!
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Kibo Hut camp site, for a short break and lunch. You will need your gaiters and walking sticks during the loose gravel going down.
Then we continue our descent until Horombo Camp for 3 to 4 hours. We will arrive in the afternoon.
Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain.
- DAY 7
- Elevation: From 3.720m to 1.850m
- Habitat: Rain forest
- From Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Distance: 19kms
- Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Marangu Park Gate. There you are, you have fully completed your trek through Kilimanjaro Mount. There, you receive your summit certificates.
The climate in the forest can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and walking sticks will be necessary.
A vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.
PRICE OF RONGAI ROUTE 7 DAYS FROM $US 2.600
