Kilimanjaro climb - Rongai Route - Safaris, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar

The Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the north not far from the Kenyan border. The area retains a sense of untouched wilderness lost on the crowded Marangu and Machame trails. This route is the easiest of all the routes, it has a relatively gentle gradient and short daily stages as it winds its way from the starting point just south of the Kenya-Tanzania border through attractive farmland and delightful forest to several other climate zones, adding considerably to the interest of the trek. There are magnificent views over the Amboseli Plains and genuine possibilities for wildlife viewing. An extra day is added to the standard 5-day itinerary to hike to the beautiful Mawenzi Tarn beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi; this also ensures maximum acclimatisation for the climb to the summit. The final ascent is arduous and made in darkness starting around midnight but the reward is a spectacular dawn view of the glaciers and ice cliffs of the summit, and across the East African plains far below. Descending through lush forest, there is a final day to relax and recover before the flight home.
It is much drier than the other routes and you might even encounter an elephant on the way. Accommodation in tents.

Please note that we only organise private treks, there will be only you and your travel partner(s) on that tour!

This itinerary starts at Kilimanjaro Airport, JRO, and ends at a hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Please see here for international flights for this tour.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1 Arrival Moshi
Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to Moshi and check–in at Hotel – hopefully catch the first glimpse of the mountain. In the afternoon a debriefing about the climb. Following the debriefing there will be an equipment check to ensure that you have all the necessary equipment for the climb

Day 2 -Drive to Rongai
Hike up throught the Rongai Forest approx 2560m
Drive to the town of Loitokitok on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro and the trailhead five miles outside of town . From the Park entrance the climber’s start the climb passing through the tropical rain forest. It is about a 5-6 hour walk to First camp at approx 2560m but we advise people to go very slowly. The forest teems with bird life and colobus and other monkeys may be seen. We should arrive early afternoon so the rest of the day will be used to relax and recheck your equipment.

Day 3 - First camp to Kikelewa Moorland. (3600m)
Continue through the forest, eventually encountering the moorlands just below a large lava overhang known as Second Cave . Here we have lunch, then traverse the open moorlands toward the spectacular peak of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro's second major peak rising. Our second camp is at Kikelewa, shortly before reaching the saddle that connects Mawenzi to Kibo and Uhuru peaks. (5-6 hours hiking.)

Day 4 Mawenzi Camp
Rising early you climb steadily to craggy jugged peaks of Mawenzi.(one of the volcanic peaks) camp beneath Mawenzi at approx 4,400m. Some groups take an alternative route away from Mawenzi and camp on the north side of the saddle.

Day 5 Outward Bound Hut
Trek to the Outward Bound Hut at 4,750m between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Mountain vistas are fabulous as we emerge onto the saddle between glacier-covered Kibo and rock-crowned Mawenzi (these mountain views alone are worth the effort of the trek!). We’ll arrive by lunchtime, and have the afternoon to organize and rest up for the summit attempt. We’ll turn in early (since we’ll be arising at midnight). (4 hours hiking.)

Day 6 – Kibo camp to Gilman's point to Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
this is the hardest day of the climb and an early start at midnight or one, where it is dark cold and where you use your head torch for the first few hours. you will rest and have coffee at Hans Meyers cave after about 2hours climbing. Depending on weather conditions the temperature can be as low as -25 c. At dawn you should reach Gilman's point and usually see a spectacular sunrise as you stand above the clouds. From here if you have enough energy left a further 1 and a half hours walk lies ahead before you are standing on the highest part of the African continent- Uhuru Peak. A quick photo session and then you descend down to Kibo and then on to Horombo at 3720m - now a well earned beer!! and good sleep. (11-12 hours hiking.)

Day 7 Horombo – Hotel in Moshi
Descending across the moorland and into the forest to Mandara where groups usually have lunch. After lunch continue down to Marangu gate. (the descent is on the Marangu route). Then back to your Hotel to celebrate with the guides and the porters and of course tip them.