6 Days Rongai Route

Overview

With a fine collection of peaks, rolling mountain ranges and varied topography, Tanzania is becoming increasingly popular as a trekking destination. The landscapes range from lush, forested slopes with hidden waterfalls, to the sheer volcanic cliffs of the inner wall of Mt Meru’s crater and the Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Olodngyo Lengai and Mount Kenya. Types of trek range from remote area walk to isolated wilderness hikes. Tanzanian Trails can custom build a trek to suit everyone’s desires and capabilities. Throughout the country, almost all trekking can be done by anyone who is reasonably fit. However, it is strongly recommended that you are accompanied by a guide or ranger and that you hold on to prepare daily stages.

Overview
Itinerary
Map
Gallery
Booking

Tour Details

Rongai route approaches Kibo from the unfrequented and drier north-eastern side of Kilimanjaro. The tour departs close to the Kenyan border and offers stunning and impressive views over the African savannah and rugged Mawenzi. Just after Mawenzi Tarn Camp, climbers will pass the only mountain lake in Kilimanjaro National Park. The trails are well developed and pass through fir forest, rain forest and alpine desert. Although the Rongai route can generally be thought of as an easy route, the rockier stages in the summit area are sometimes a little more demanding. The decent follows the Marangu route and traverses the lush and green rainforest on good paths. Climbers will overnight in mountain tents during the entire climb.

Include

Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
Professional, English-speaking guide
Mountain crew (cook & porters)
Overnight stays in hotels and mountain tents
Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables etc.)
Portable toilet and toilet tent
Meals according to the itinerary
Drinking water
All national park fees
All mentioned transfers

Exclude

Sleeping Bag
Flights
Optional activities
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Visa Fees
Tips
Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
Travel Insurance

Itinerary

Day 1

Moshi – Nalemoru Gate (1,990 m) – Simba Camp (2,625 m)

After breakfast you will be driven around Mt Kilimanjaro to its north-western side and after 3 to 4 hours, you will arrive at the Nalemoru Gate. After the registration process has been completed and your luggage has been divided between the porters, your adventure begins. The path runs alongside mountain farmers’ fields and pine forests before it enters the sparse mountain forest zone, where black and white colobus monkeys can often be seen. After an approximate 3 to 4 hour hike, you will reach the Simba Camp where you will spend the night.

Meals Plan: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 2:

Simba Camp (2,625 m) – Kikelewa Camp (3,630 m)

Today’s trek passes through the heather and moorland zones and the views of Mawenzi and the vast Kenyan steppes are nothing short of grand. You will have lunch at the Second Cave (3,450 m) and after a short break, you will cross the undulating terrain to Kikelewa Camp. This camp boasts with incredible views and after a strenuous day’s climb, you can relax and take in its peaceful ambience.

Meals plan: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 3

Kikelewa Camp (3,630 m) – Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,310 m)

The typical senecien vegetation will soon disappear and the scenery will become more barren with the occasional rock formations. In good weather you can enjoy the breath-taking views of the Kibo and Mawenzi summits as well as Kenya’s savannah grasslands. After passing a few more rock formations, you will arrive at the Mawenzi Hut. For many mountain climbers, it is the most atmospheric camp on the mountain.

Meals plan: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 4

Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,310 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m)

On a relatively easy path, today’s leg takes you over the Kibo Saddle. A lack of vegetation is characteristic for the landscape here as only a few types of grass and other plant species can survive in this dry area and thin air. Just before today’s destination is reached, one last rock passage has to be conquered. Finally you will arrive at the School Hut, where you can relax and mentally prepare yourself for tomorrow’s summit stage.

Meals plan: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 5

Kibo Hut (4,700 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)

The climb begins at around 00:00 h and after a 5 to 7 hour walk on frozen volcanic ash, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5,715 m) on the crater’s edge. The sun rays will warm you while you trek for another 1 to 2 hours until you reach Uhuru Peak and finally stand on “Africa’s Roof”. The descent on the now thawed lava ash runs almost along the same route and you will arrive at the School Hut in the late morning. A warm meal will be served and after a well-deserved break, the descent continues to the Horombo Hut.

Meals Plan: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 6

Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Marangu Gate (1,860 m) – Moshi

After trekking for approximately 5 to 6 hours, you will have managed the easy descent and you will return to the Marangu Gate during the early afternoon. You will say goodbye to your mountain crew and a short transfer will take you back to the Hotel. Here you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your achievement.

Meals Plan: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner