Rongai is the only route starting on the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Though this part of the Mountain is rarely visited by hikers, it is not less interesting than the popular southern and western slopes. We recommend Rongai to all those who like reclusive hiking experiences. This is one of Kilimanjaro’s easiest routes, and it has become an increasingly popular route in recent years. This route is located on the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro with a variety of spectacular landscapes together with different plants and animals’ species. The typical duration for this trip is 6 days. However, you can also add an acclimatization day and make it 7-day climb.
| safari type : | Trekking / Climbing |
| You will visit: | : Rongai Gate, First Cave’s Camp, Kikelewa Cave, Mawenzi Tarn, Kibo Campsite, Horombo Hut |
| Getting Around: | Walking |
| Start/End: | Arusha |
| Minimum Age: | 18+ |
After your long flight, you’ll be pleased to spend your first night in comfort at your hotel, the Planet Lodge in Arusha. You will be picked-up by Gifted Adventures driver, who will be waiting to meet and welcome you and take you to your hotel in Arusha to relax after your flight. Your adventure has begun!
Accommodation:Arusha Coffee Lodge
Meals: Dinner
Drinking Mineral Water only
We will check-in at the Marangu Park Gate and then transport to the Rongai trailhead to begin 7 days Rongai Route trekking. Before you begin your trip from the settlement of Nale Moru, we will meet our porters. The twisting trail passes through corn fields before slowly ascending into a pine woodland. The first night’s camp is in First Cave, around 2,600 meters above sea level.
Elevation (m): 1950m to 2600m
Distance:8km
Time: 4 hours
Habitat:Montane Forest
The route ascends towards Kibo, passing through Second Cave (3450m) on the way and arriving at Kikelewa Cave at 3600 meters. From here, the vistas begin to open up, and you can see for yourself how massive Kili is. Third Cave Camp is where we will spend the night.
Elevation:2600m to 3600m
Distance:9km
Time: 6 – 7 hours
Habitat:Moorland
A short but steep ascent over grassy hills rewards you with spectacular panoramic vistas and a genuine sense of wildness. Soon after, we leave the forest behind and arrive to Mawenzi Tarn (4330 m), which is wonderfully positioned in a cirque immediately underneath Mawenzi’s towering spires. As part of the acclimatization process, the afternoon will be free for relaxation or exploration of the local region.
Elevation:3600m to 4330m
Distance:6km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat:Moorland
This is your extra day on the mountain, and you will spend two nights at Mawenzi Tarn. You will hike up towards Mawenzi for a splendid acclimatization hike. Then after return back to the camp for lunch, dinner and overnight.
Elevation:4330m
Habitat:Moorland
Between Mawenzi and Kibo, we cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ to reach Kibo campground (4750m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater rim. The rest of the day will be spent recuperating in preparation for tomorrow’s last ascent!
Elevation:4330m to 4750m
Distance:4 km
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Habitat:Alpine Desert
Summit Night! You will be woken at around midnight, for tea and biscuits before setting off into the night. You will ascend over scree and rocks until you reach Gillman’s Point at the crater rim at dawn where you will rest briefly before continuing to the summit Uhuru Peak. This is the most challenging part of the trek for most climbers with the highest chance of suffering from altitude sickness. Take in the view from the summit and ensure you have taken plenty of photographs before starting your descent to Kibo Hut where you will rest and eat. You will then trek across the saddle to Horombo Hut for your final night on Kilimanjaro.
Elevation:4750m to 5895m
Distance:6 km ascent/16km descent
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent/4-5 hours descent
Habitat:Stone scree and ice-capped summit
After breakfast we continue our descent, passing Mandara Hut, down to the Marangu Gate where you will receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will meet you to our Gifted Adventures driver and he will drive you back to the Hotel in Arusha as your 7 days Rongai Route tour ends.
Elevation:3720m to 1980m
Distance:20km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat:Moorlands
Today is the day that you say goodbye to our team. Congratulations, you just hiked the highest freestanding mountain on planet Earth and the tallest mountain in Africa. You will remember these memories for the rest of your life. Upon waking up today, your guide will be with you until you need to leave for Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Accommodation:Arusha Coffee Lodge
Meals:Breakfast
Drinking Mineral Water only
Kindly call us at +255 753 900 422 if you require any immediate assistance.
Planning for Kilimanjaro Climbing, whether long or short, can seem overwhelming. By the time you got to the Bottom of this Page, You’ll be ready To Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro! Are you going to be the part of it.
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