RONGAI ROUTE

"The 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 low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular 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). Rongai is a moderately 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 true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. "

0 Day;Pre -Trekking Briefing

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha,Pre-trek briefing at your Arusha hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

1 Day; Rongai Gate - Simba Camp

Drive from Arusha to Mt Kilimanjaro National Park through villages and coffee plantations to the remarkable wooden village of Nale Moru. On the northeast side of the mountain. The first part of the trail leads through moist rainforest, which quickly becomes lighter on the dry north side. Soon you will reach the heather zone. Overnight in the First Cave Camp (Simba Camp) in the tent . Simba Camp is located close to First Cave, with a magnificent view out over the plains of Kenya

Elevation; 1997m - 2635 m
Habitat; Rain Forest
Distance;11.75km
Hiking Time; 3 - 4 hours

2 Day; Simba Camp-Second Cave Camp

"Early in the morning after breakfast, the group will depart from Simba Camp to start trekking towards your second high altitude camp: Second Cave Camp (3,480 m). This route is rather easy and will only take around 3 hours, so when you reach the camp you will still have ample time to rest and explore the surrounding area. After lunch you will have a couple hours to rest, followed by an acclimatization hike in the direction of Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m) with a 100-meter gain in altitude, after which you will hike back down to Second Cave Camp.

Elevation;2635 m-3480 m
Habitat;Moorland
Distance;5.8KM
Hiking Time; 5-6 hours

3 Day;Second Cave Camp - Kikelewa Camp

"After breakfast you will begin trekking to Kikilewa Camp (3630m), where you can see Kibo Volcano at its finest (barring cloudy weather). This will be a relief day, so after lunch you will have time to sleep before the next trekking towards Mawenzi Tarn Camp. In the evening after dinner the guide will check health conditions of the each person of the group and give the necessary instructions for tomorrow's trekking.

Elevation; 3480 m - 3630m
Habitat; Semi-Desert
Distance;3.75KM
Hiking Time; 3 - 4 hours

4 Day; Kikelewa Camp - Mawenzi Tarn Camp

"Early wake up, breakfast and the start of trekking to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, which is situated at the foot of Mawenzi Volcano, Kilimanjaro's second summit. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and a two-hour rest, after which there will be an acclimatization hike towards Mawenzi Volcano with a 200-meter gain in altitude, followed by a hike back down to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, where you will have dinner in the evening,rest and preparing for tomorrow ascending to Base Camp(Kibo).

Elevation; 3630m-4302 m
Habitat; Semi-Desert
Distance; 3.75KM
Hiking Time; 2-3 hours

5 Day; Mawenzi Tarn Camp - Kibo Hut (Camp)

"This day will be spent trekking towards Kibo Summit Camp (4,700 m). The landscape will change significantly to give way to a rocky semidesert. The actual trekking is not very difficult; just remember to stick with an appropriate pace to keep up your strength for the trekking to Kilimanjaro summit. When you reach the camp, we recommend you sleep well, avoid strenuous activity, and drink as much as you can, because that very night you will be ascending to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).

Elevation; 4302m- 4700m
Habitat; Alpine Desert
Distance;8.9 KM
Hiking Time; 4-5 hours

6 Day; Kibo Camp - Summit - Horombo hut

The push for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak ! You will be woken at around 11:30pm to make a start just after midnight. This is where your grit and determination will be called upon but your reward is possibly the most amazing sunrise you'll ever see on the horizon behind Mawenzi. You'll probably be around Gilman’s Point (5685m) at this time so it’s time for a much needed breather before walking around the top of the crater rim, passing Stella Point and finally reaching Uhuru. Take some time to enjoy the views of the crater and glaciers then you’ll retrace your steps back to Kibo for breakfast and a rest. You'll then descend back down to Horombo hut which will feel oxygen rich after the summit and a long night's sleep.

Elevation; 4700m-5895m-3720m
Habitat; Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Distance; 4 KM up- 15.75 KM down
Hiking Time; 5-7 hours up- 5-6 hours down

7 Day; Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate

"You will be offered a warm breakfast in the morning, after which we will head for the Kilimanjaro National Park's exit: Marangu Gate (1,860 m). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then, Lastly we will present you with your commemorative certificates and provide you a transfer back to the hotel for hot shower and celebrations.