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Kilimanjaro climbs · from Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Climbing RONGAI ROUTE Africa safari

  • 8 days
Kilimanjaro Climbing RONGAI ROUTE
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Style
Shared tour
Length
8 days

Overview

Rongai is the only route on the north-eastern side of Kilimanjaro, and usually a five-night climb. It may not be quite as spectacular as the western routes, but it usually has far less traffic than the other five-night routes.

Approaching the mountain from the north, the route keeps a sense of unspoilt wilderness and gives you a different view of Kilimanjaro. It is generally considered the easiest of the quality routes on the mountain, and the best for climbers who want a decent-quality experience but are perhaps not entirely confident about their fitness.

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Your days

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Arrival and transfer to Moshi

    Pickup from Arusha town or Kilimanjaro International Airport, and transfer to Moshi, known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro.

    Overnight at a base hotel in Moshi, on half board.

  2. Day 2

    Rongai Gate to First Cave

    Register at the Marangu park gate, then transfer to the Rongai trailhead, about 2½ hours away.

    Meet your guide and porters, and begin your hike from Nale Moru village. Today you walk from Rongai Gate (1,950 m) to First Cave (2,600 m), about 5 hours through montane forest.

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    The small winding path crosses maize fields, enters pine forest and climbs gently through the forest. The trail is not at all steep: it is a gentle hike through beautiful country.

    Overnight at First Cave Camp. There is a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just down the trail below First Cave.

  3. Day 3

    First Cave to Kikelelwa Cave

    Hike from First Cave to Kikelelwa Cave (3,600 m), 6 to 7 hours through moorland.

    The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3,450 m) on the way. The views start to open up, and you begin to feel you are on a really big mountain.

    Overnight at Kikelelwa Cave Camp. Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, though you might have to walk some way downhill to find some.

  4. Day 4

    Kikelelwa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

    Hike from Kikelelwa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330 m), 3 to 4 hours through moorland.

    A short but steep climb up grassy slopes gives superb views of this wilderness. The vegetation ends shortly before you reach camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly set beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.

    Spend the afternoon acclimatising and exploring the area. Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp.

  5. Day 5

    Across the saddle to Kibo

    Hike from Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4,700 m), 4 to 5 hours in alpine desert.

    Keep climbing on the east side of Kibo, crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo.

    Spend the rest of the day resting for the final ascent, which begins at midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp.

  6. Day 6

    Summit day: Uhuru Peak and Horombo Hut

    Climb from Kibo Hut (4,700 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), then descend to Horombo Hut (3,720 m): 6 km and about 8 hours up, then 21 km and 6 hours down, over stone scree to the ice-capped summit.

    Rise around 23:30, and after some tea and biscuits, shuffle off into the night.

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    This is where the going really gets tough. The first section is a rocky path to Hans Meyer Cave (5,150 m), a good resting spot.

    The path then zigzags up to Gillman's Point on the crater rim. This section is very steep, with a lot of stone scree, and takes great physical and mental effort: it is probably the most demanding part of the whole route. Do the Kilimanjaro shuffle and move slowly.

    From Gillman's Point you normally meet snow all the way up to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction: you made it.

    The weather on the summit decides how long you can spend there taking photographs before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo Hut. After a short rest, gather all your gear and head down to Horombo Hut, about 3 hours. The way down will seem surprisingly fast compared with the climb.

    You walk for around 14 hours in all today, so be prepared for a very tough day. In the evening, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Overnight at Horombo Hut.

  7. Day 7

    Down to Marangu Gate and back to Moshi

    After breakfast, continue down from Horombo Hut, passing Mandara Hut, to Marangu Gate (1,980 m), about 6 hours.

    At Marangu Gate, sign your name and details in the register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates: green for those who reached Gillman's Point, gold for those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).

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    Drive back to Moshi for a long-overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations. Overnight at a base hotel in Moshi.

  8. Day 8

    Transfer to Arusha

    After breakfast, transfer back to Arusha town, where the trip ends.

Prices

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Pickup

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Good to know

  • Soft drinks and beer are for sale at the camp office at Horombo Hut.

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