8 Days Rongai Route Package

8 DAYS Rongai ROUTE PACKAGE

1 Night in Moshi & 7 Days rongai Climb

8 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE PACKAGE

1 Night in Moshi & 7 Days Rongai Climb

The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. It is gaining popularity among climbers due to its lower traffic compared to some other routes. Many climbers prefer the Rongai route because it offers a more remote experience and is less crowded than the Marangu Route. Climbers who also travel during the rainy season also choose this route because there is less rain in the northern part of Kilimanjaro. You can climb Mount Kilimanjaro in 6 days using the Rongai Route however, the 7 days are often more preferred due to better acclimatisation and higher success rates. This package includes one night in Moshi prior to your climb with a 7 day climb. You can also combine your package with a night after your climb or even with a safari in the northern circuit and/or Zanzibar.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN MOSHI

DAY 2: MOSHI – RONGAI GATE – RONGAI CAVE

DAY 3: RONGAI CAVE – 2ND CAVE – KIKELEWA CAVE

DAY 4: KIKELEWA CAVE – MAWENZI TARN CAMP

DAY 5: ACCLIMATISATION DAY

DAY 6: MAWENZI TARN CAMP – KIBO HUT

DAY 7: SUMMIT DAY – KIBO HUT – UHURU PEAK – HOROMBO HUT

DAY 8: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 (ARRIVAL IN MOSHI):

You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and get transferred to a hotel in Moshi for your overnight stay. Before dinner, you will have a briefing about your upcoming climb.

Day 2 (MOSHI – RONGAI GATE – RONGAI CAVE):

After an early breakfast you will depart from the hotel and drive to Kilimanjaro’s Marangu Gate where your guide will handle your registration. You will then make your way towards the wooden village of Nale Moru, where the trailhead begins. You will start your climb through cornfields that lead into the pine forest. You will stop at the halfway mark for lunch, and then continue your hike towards the 1st Rongai Cave. The camp will be set up for you ahead of your arrival, giving you time to unpack and relax.

Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave

Elevation: 1950m to 2600m

Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Day 3 (RONGAI CAVE – 2ND CAVE – KIKELEWA CAVE):

After breakfast you will make your way for your second day on the mountain. With a steady incline you will reach the 2nd Cave en route to Kikelewa Cave. Views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim will begin to emerge. You will reach Kikelewa Cave where you will have dinner and rest. Temperatures drop below freezing at this altitude to be prepared for a cold night.

Rongai Cave to 2nd Cave to Kikelewa Cave

Elevation: 2600m to 3600m

Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Heathland

Day 4 (KIKELEWA CAVE – MAWENZI TARN CAMP):

The hike on this day will be short but on a steep trail up a grassy slope. The landscape changes dramatically as you emerge into the alpine desert zone. You will reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp where you will enjoy spectacular views and get the chance to explore the area beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. You will have plenty of time for relaxing and allow your bodies to acclimate.

Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Elevation: 3600m to 4330m

Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5 (ACCLIMATISATION DAY):

This day is for acclimatisation. You will hike steadily up to Mawenzi Ridge where you will spend some time exploring the area. You will then head back to Mawenzi Tarn Camp where you will spend the rest of the day relaxing and preparing for the next day’s hike.

Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Elevation: 4330m to 4390m to 4330m

Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 2-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5 (MAWENZI TARN CAMP – KIBO HUT):

After breakfast you will start your hike and ascend towards Kibo Hut crossing the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. When you reach the camp you will use the remainder of the day resting and preparing for the final ascent.

Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

Elevation: 4330m to 4730m

Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6 (SUMMIT DAY – KIBO HUTs – UHURU PEAK – HOROMBO HUTS):

You will wake up around 23:30, have a light breakfast and prepare for your summit ascent. The goal is to reach Uhuru Peak around sunrise. You will start your hike on a rocky trail towards the Hans Meyer Cave. You will then continue to ascent to Gillman’s Point which is located on the crater rim. This area is very steep and rocky which requires great physical and mental endurance. It’s probably the most difficult hike of the whole trail. From this point, you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru Peak. You will reach Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. You will take a memorable picture at the summit to remember this great accomplishment. You will then descend back to Kibo Hut which will take around 3 hours. You will have lunch, rest for a little and gather all your belongings and head down to Horombo Huts where you will stay overnight to rest and get some well-deserved sleep! Please note that we will be doing the beginning of this climb in the dark with headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is, by far, the most difficult part of the trek. Slowly, slowly, or, “pole, pole,” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Summit Day – Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 4730m to 5895m to 3720m

Distance: 5.4 km up, 15 km dow
Hiking Time: 13-16 hours

Habitat: Stone scree/ice-capped summit

Day 7 (HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE):

After breakfast you will make your way down to Marangu Gate, which you should reach around 2 or 3pm. At this point you’ll say goodbye to the guides, cooks, and porters. We’ll transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha or take you straight to the airport, where it is definitely time for celebration!

Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate

Elevation: 3720m to 1980m

Distance: 19 km
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

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