6 Days Rongai Route

Description

Explore 6 days for Trekking Kilimanjaro cost via Rongai route with Patrol Africa Safaris, Rongai route is the only route that approaches the mountain from the northern side near the Kenyan border the route is still new and not very popular. It may be considered an easy route because of its gradual slope, it is recommended for those who wish for a more solemn climb and can be the best during rainy season as the north side receive less precipitation.

The scenery in this route is not very popular but it offers spectacular view of the mountain and passes through true wilderness area is almost its entire trail. Our rongai itinerary has a seven or six day’s option, with the seven days variation offering an extra day for acclimatization at mawenzi tarn. This is also the only route that has a real chance of spotting wildlife including colobus monkeys in the first few days of climbing.

Highlights
  • This route is perfect for those looking for an alternative to the Marangu route due to provides more shelter from the weather and high winds.
  • Then you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear.
  • This route can be climbed for 6-days is recommended for better acclimatization.
  • Rongai is the best route for people who are looking for a decent quality experience and are perhaps not absolutely confident about their fitness and the route is good for people with no much experience on mountain climbing.
Includes
  • Dedicated Customer Satisfaction Associate
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb
  • Breakfast before and after the climb
  • All meals and water on the mountain
  • All park fees and taxes
  • Transportation to and from the hotel and trailhead
  • Tents (3-person mountaineering tent)
  • Sleeping mat
  • Private toilet tent
  • Support team (certified guides, porters, and cooks)
  • Kilimanjaro SAR evacuation insurance
Excludes
  • Airfare to and from Tanzania
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Visa
  • Tips for the support team
  • Sleeping bags and other personal gear
  • Rental gear
  • Lunch and dinner at the hotel
  • Drinks and snacks

Location Map

Tour Timeline

  • 1
    Day 1: Rongai Start Point (1996m) – Simba camp (2626m)

    Depart from Moshi town and drive 45 minutes to the Marangu park gate for registration. From Marangu park gate we travel to Naro Moru, north east Kilimanjaro, a further 68km and approximately 2 ½ hours on bad roads to the Rongai start point (1996m). Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through a beautiful country side. The first night’s camp is at Simba Camp (2 626m). The camp facilities include a public toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut.

    Hiking Time: 4 hours

    Habitat: Forest (Montane)

  • 2
    Day 2 : Simba camp (2626m) – Kikelewa Camp (3679m)

    We hike from Simba camp up towards Kibo till 3 482m for lunch at First Caves, a distance of 5.8km. After lunch we continue trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3679 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water can be found in a obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelewa camp.

    Distance: Approximately 11.8 km

    Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours

    Habitat: Moorlands

  • 3
    Day 3: Kikelewa Cave (3679m) – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m)

    A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.

    Distance: Approximately 3.7 km

    Hiking Time: 3 hours

    Habitat: Moorlands

  • 4
    Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m) – Kibo hut (4730m)

    After breakfast we head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo hut.

    Distance: Approximately 9 km

    Hiking Time: 5 hours

    Habitat: Alpine desert

  • 5
    Day 5: Summit attempt – Kibo hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3705m)

    You will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot.

    The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.

    Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it

    Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest at Kibo hot, you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

    Distance: Approximately 5.4km ascent and 15 km descent

    Hiking Time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo

    Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit

  • 6
    Day 6: Horombo hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m)

    After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. Click here for more info on tips.

    At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates.

    You now drive back to Moshi or Arusha for a long overdue hot shower and more celebrations!!

    Distance: Approximately 19.7 km

    Hiking Time: 6 hours

    Habitat: Moorland & Montane Forest