7 Days Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Trekking

The Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along with the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many viewpoints. The drive to the trail takes about 3 hours from Mosh, including a stop to register permits at Marangu.

Day 1 : Drive to Rongai Gate (Nale Moru),– 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft

Drive to the attractive wooden village of NaleMoru. 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..

Day 2 : Hike Simba Camp to Second Cave – 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (11,300 Ft.) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern Ice fields 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 senecios near Kikelewa Caves

Day 3 : Hike Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp – 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft

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 (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.

Day 4 : Hike Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn – 3600m/11,800ft to 4330m/14,200ft

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, 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.
If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.

Day 5 : Hike Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut – 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft

Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (15,400 ft) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early morning (on the midnight) of the next morning.

Day 6 : Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hut – 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft 

We start the final and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod 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. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshments, we continue the descent to Horombo Huts.

Day 7 : Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi – 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft

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 village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

Equipment’s to bring with you

> Walking poles
>Sleeping bag
> Themarest
>Hiking boots
> Heavy clothes
> Light Clothing
> Hat
> Sun Glasses
> Torch with Spare Batteries
> Water bottles or back pack.