Rongai Route

  • Route :

    Rongai

  • Duration :

    7 Days

  • Rate :

    From $ 1,550

  • Pax :

    4 minimum

The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes and therefore is recommended for those with less backpacking experience. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. Descent is made via the Marangu route.

#OVERVIEW

The trekking up Kilimanjaro is probably the most popular high altitude trek in the whole world. You can simply walk up. You do not need any ropes, no special climbing gear or equipment, no previous trek experience.

 

#EXPERIENCE
  • There are two key things to consider when selecting a route on Kilimanjaro: Make sure that the route duration is long enough for adequate acclimatization. Five-day routes are too rapid. Seven or eight day climbs increase the success rate of summiting Kilimanjaro and six-day treks are an affordable alternative if you are fit and have some experience of high altitude trekking. Make sure the route provides a climb high, sleep low option. Again, this is a major factor in many climbers’ success on Kilimanjaro.

It is the highest free standing mountain in the world and one of the Seven summits You don’t need any technical mountaineering skills at all. But that doesn’t mean it’s just a walk in the park. Everybody says that you need no experience to trek Kilimanjaro. That is correct as in that you need no climbing experience.

There is no technical skills required at all. It really is nothing more than an uphill walk. (With possibly a bit of scrambling on the “Barranco Wall“, depending on the Kilimanjaro route you end up choosing for your tour.)

Packing List

  • Bags & Daypack
  • Sleeping accessories.
  • 5 Pairs of underwear.
  • Pairs of Hiking Trousers.
  • Lightweight Inner Gloves.

Rongai Route 7 Days

We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey
We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.
The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone.
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi.
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day
The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After an early and well-deserved breakfast, you will continue a 6 hour descent passing Mandara hut, and down to the Marangu gate. Here you will receive your certificates; those climbers who reached Gillman’s point (5,681m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m) receive gold certificates.