7 Days Rongai Climbing Route.
The Rongai Rongai is the only approach to Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Although it is gaining popularity among hikers, this route is still crowded. Rongai has a more gradual descent than other mountain passes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, for those who would like a longer hike, and for those who hike during the rainy season (the north side receives less rain). Rongai is a very difficult route and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through areas of true wilderness for almost the entire route. Descent is done via the Marangu route.
5 DAYS KILIMANJARO CLIMB RONGAI ROUTE ITINERARY
DAY 0: ARRIVAL & BRIEFING
After arriving in Kilimanjaro / Arusha city via Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your professional driver from Leon Expeditions Ltd and transferred to the Hotel for rest, dinner and overnight, if time permits a free city tour can be arranged . On this day you will be given climbing information at your hotel and climbing equipment to check to ensure a successful climb. a chance to see Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru in the distance.
DAY 1: RONGAI GATE TO RONGAI CAVE
Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to Rongai Gate. The path passes through corn and potato fields and then climbs slowly through the forest which is home to various types of wildlife, including black and white colobus monkeys.
DAY 2: RONGAI CAVE TO TO SECOND CAVE
Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.
DAY 3: KIKELEWA CAVE TO MAWENZI TARN
Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today's hike is short and up a grassy slope. The views of the wilderness area are amazing. As we leave the tropics and emerge into the Alpine Desert, the scenery changes dramatically. Our camp is located at the foot of the sharp thorn of Mawenzi, in Mawenzi Tarn. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.
DAY 4: MAWENZI TARN TO MAWENZI RIDGE
Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft -14,400 ft
Distance: 2 km/1 mile
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn
Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft -14,160 ft
Distance: 2 km/1 mile
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent the day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.
DAY 5: MARWENZI TARN TO KIBO HUT
Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
DAY 6: KIBO HUT TO UHURU PEAK
Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
Early in the morning (around midnight), we start our journey towards the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trip. Wind and cold at this altitude and during the day can be severe. We climb in the dark for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman's point (18,600 feet), you will be rewarded with the most beautiful sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we reach Uhuru peak - the highest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 7: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we have a longer trek down through the tropical rain forest. Once at the park headquarters at the Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. The car will meet us here and take us back to the hotel in Moshi/Arusha.
DAY 6: DEPARTURE DAY
Getting off at the airport depends on the flight schedule. You will be picked up from your hotel to
The airport is ready to get you on your way to your destination.
INCLUDES
• Mobile phones - carried by the main guide and all assistant guides, for daily communication with our Arusha base. For any emergency
• Linen (with replaceable bedding)
• Complete medical / first aid kit
• Professional mountain guides, all senior guides (at least one per trip) are currently certified by NOLS USA as WFR (Wilderness First Responder).
• A ratio of at least one guide for every three guests, to ensure personal attention.
• Cooks and porters
• Storage fees
• Camp fees
• Emergency rescue costs
• 4-season mountain tents (triple tent used as a double or single tent (extra charge), each tent equipped with a reinforced floor mat that covers both sides of the road, to allow clean and dry storage of equipment and waterproofing, mud or dust from entering the tent.
• Foam camping mat
• Large dining tent without weather, at night the tent is lit by candlelight, this tent is used for breakfast, lunch and dinner if the weather does not permit.
• Aluminum tables and chairs for all meals.
• Three meals a day, we prepare and prepare delicious and exciting meals needed for a long trip in the mountains.
• Snacks
• Tea and coffee
• Mineral water
• Transfer from the hotel to the starting point
• Transfer from the final destination to the hotel
EXCLUDES
- Accommodation on arrival and last day
- Mountain guide tips, recommended 15-20 per group per day
- Porters 5 - 10$ per porter per group per day
- Personal expenses
- Personal items
- Personal insurance / travel insurance
- Personal medicine/first aid kit
- Personal travel equipment
- Sleeping bag
