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The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded 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). The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended. Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. This route descends down the Marangu route. Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), there will be a pick up private transfer waiting to Stella Maris Hotel or similar hotel in Moshi. All airport transfers are the part of the package, no extra fee is required. We will gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2635m/8645ft
Distance: 7km/4mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft
Distance: 6km/3mi
Hiking Time: 3 - 4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast we shall hike south easterly turn directly toward the jagged peak of Mawenzi. Traversing, open moorland past vegetation blackened and damage in a fire in 2007, the path meanders and undulate and, assuming you have already walked from Simba Camp this morning, you will feel rather drained by the time you stumble into Kikelelwa camp, situated by a couple of caves by the Kikelelwa River.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Elevation: 3487 m/11440ft to 3675m/12057ft
Distance: 6km/3mi
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Trough this stage to Mawenzi Tarn Hut is relatively short, hence is usually to complete our trip during the morning. So that is allowing us to have time for brief and acclimatization to trek in the afternoon for those who feel up it. It`s also steep as you gain 600m, passing trough moorland vegetation as it climbs steadily.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Elevation: 3675m/12057ft to 4302/14114ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
This lovely day begin with a slight retracing of your steps before you strike out westward crossing the ridge and dropping down the slope to tiptoe along the beautifully barren saddle`s northern edge. With views like screensavers to east and west, it`s a rare trekker indeed who doesn`t rare this day as their favorite on the mountain.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Elevation: 4302m/14114ft to 47oom/ 15400ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “Pole Pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km up / 15km down
Hiking Time: 6 - 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).It is time for celebration.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch included
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1905m/6250ft
Distance: 19km/11mi
Hiking Time: 5 - 7 hours
Habitat: Forest
What’s Included
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What’s Excluded
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