Rongai Route on Mount Kilimanjaro
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via The Rongai Route
Due to its remote locale, the less-traveled route exudes a sense of tranquil seclusion, granting trekkers a rare wilderness encounter that may unveil sightings of majestic wildlife such as antelope, elephant, and buffalo. The aridity prevalent on this side of the mountain diminishes the likelihood of encountering rain, fostering clearer vistas of the towering peak above. Despite its relatively flat terrain, the absence of a climb high, sleep low approach underscores the importance of allocating additional days for acclimatization, a vital consideration for a successful and safe ascent.
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be received and be transported to Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel or a hotel of similar status. Your head guide will personally greet you, providing a comprehensive briefing, verifying your gear, and facilitating any necessary equipment rentals to ensure you are fully prepared for your upcoming adventure on Kilimanjaro.
DAY 1: NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP: 7KM /5MI | 3-4 HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
Altitude gained: 638m
From Moshi, we will drive 4 to 5 hours and immerse ourselves in beautiful landscapes, meandering through verdant coffee plantations and the quaint Village of Nale Muru before we arrive at Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Here, we will sign up, get ready, and start our climbing adventure. We will delve into the wooded terrain, guided by our knowledgeable local expert, and unravel the stories of the rich flora, fauna, and potential wildlife encounters that decorate this region. The beauty that will lead us to Simba Camp. Dinner and overnight at Simba Camp.
DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP: 5.8KM/3.6MI | 5-6HRS | MOORLAND
Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft
Altitude gained: 852m
Following a good breakfast, our journey resumes through the undulating moorland, tracing a steady ascent that unveils breathtaking vistas of the landscape blessed with hills, rocks, caves, etc which are speckled with grasses, herbs, and shrubs. As we approach Second Camp, the floral population becomes sparse exposing the prominent volcanic features ahead. Walking consistently with time will let us come to Second Cave at a good time and let us enjoy a hot lunch at the Camp. Dinner and overnight at Second Cave Camp.
DAY 3: SECOND CAVE CAMP – THIRD CAVE CAMP: 3.3KM/2MI | 3-4HRS | SEMI DESERT
Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3936m/12,913ft
Altitude gained: 449m
Following breakfast and the final preparations, you press onward on your gradual ascent, the land transitions into a semi-desert landscape that characterizes this stretch of the trek. Despite the shorter hiking distance of the day, the captivating allure of the Eastern ice fields remains a focal point, capturing your gaze with their ethereal beauty. It is a good practice to communicate with your guide about any signs of sickness or weakness at any level of the hiking program. Dinner and overnight at Third Cave Camp.
DAY 4: THIRD CAVE CAMP- KIBO HUTS: 6.7KM/4.2MI | 4-5HRS | ALPINE DESERT
Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 5174m/16975ft
Altitude gained: 1238m
Setting off early from the Third Cave through the semi-desert landscape at daybreak, you transition into the majestic Alpine Desert terrain that will define the latter part of your ascent. Today’s trek leads you to a tall and very steep rock beneath the formidable Kibo crater wall, leading to the esteemed Kibo Huts. Lunch will be served early and advised to rest only to be awakened for an early dinner. It is a good practice to change into warmer clothes immediately after you arrive at the camp. You will prepare yourself for the summit after dinner by ensuring alpine cold weather clothing is within reach, and headlamp and camera batteries are replenished. An early bedtime scheduled at 7 PM to conserve energy, strive to secure a few hours of rest before embarking on your summit endeavor.
DAY 5: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4KM /2.5 MI UP | 5-7HRS | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75KM /9.8MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT
Elevation: 5174m/16975ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 721m
Descent to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude lost: 2174m
Anticipation mounts as the morning arrives, heralding an early departure between midnight and 2 a.m. The journey towards the summit, requires utmost mental fortitude and physical endurance. Progressing in a zigzag pattern towards the northwestern direction, you ascend through the challenging scree terrain towards Stella Point on the crater rim. A brief rest to capture magnificent sunrise will be a moment of exceptional beauty and awe. Those ahead in pace may witness this breathtaking sight from the summit itself.
Your final hour’s ascent to Uhuru Peak, accompanied by a blanket of snow underfoot, marks the pinnacle of your journey—the triumphant attainment of the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent.
We will celebrate our remarkable achievement at Uhuru Peak with handshakes, photos, and perhaps tears of joy. At times when the weather conditions are perfect we will stick around longer to capture more memorable experience. At least after 45 minutes we will begin our descent down to Horombo hut. A stopover at Kibo Hut offers respite and sustenance before continuing your descent, Gaiters and trekking poles prove extremely useful on the challenging gravel, scree and volcanic ash trail. Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.
DAY 6: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 20KM/12.5MI |6-7HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft
Altitude lost: 1816m
We will celebrate together after breakfast with singing and dancing. Then there will be a chance to express gratitude with speeches, handshakes, and tipping. Tipping is a tradition where guides, cooks, and porters get tangible thanks from clients which is now stipulated to constitute part of the payment. You will then begin your descent to Marangu gate via Mandara hut where you will have a brief lunch break. A vehicle awaits at the gate to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.