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Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
The Rongai Route is the route of Kilimanjaro that begins from the north side, a route where few climbers are seen along the way. This route affords the opportunity to witness up close the Mawenzi Volcano (the second highest peak of Kilimanjaro) and the magnificent saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peak. However it requires a long drive to the park because of passing through the Marangu gate in order to obtain a permit.
The route feels relatively lonely as you cross unspoiled wilderness with little crowds to bother you. Your trek begins near the Kenya border, and you will summit via Marangu route and Gilimans point. Descending will take place on the Marangu route. We offer 2 options for the Rongai route covering 5/6/7-day treks, with the 7-day trek being highly recommended for acclimatization.
Rongai Gate (2,020m/6,627ft) to Simba Camp (2,600m/8,530ft)
Hiking distance: 6km
Hiking time: 3–4hrs
Habitat: Montane Forest
You depart Arusha for Nalemuru Gate, which takes about 5hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Upon arrival at trailhead, you eat lunch, and then commence through wide path winding through fields of maize and potatoes, prior to entering pine forest that is home a various wildlife species. As the forest begins to thin out, you enter the first camp at the edge of the moorland zone (2,625m/8,612ft). This location ghastly extensive view of the Kenyan plains.
Day 2: Trekking from Simba Camp to Third Cave
Kilimanjaro National Park
6h
Simba Camp (2,600m/8,530ft) to Second Cave (3,450/11,319ft) to Third Cave (3,800m/12,467ft)
Hiking distance: 13km
Hiking Time: 9-10hrs
Habitat: Moorland
You continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As you ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the first Cave, then second Cave for hot lunch before proceeding to third Cave. The view of Kibo Peak is amazing.
Day 3: Trekking to Kibo Hut Camp
Kilimanjaro National Park
6h
Third Cave (3800m/12,467) – Kibo Camp (4,720m/14,930ft)
Hiking Distance: 12km
Hiking Time: 6-7hrs
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The steady ascend continues, soon reaching the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo. You should reach Kibo Camp at elevation of 4,720 by midday. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final rewarding ascent the following day.
Day 4: Summit Day!
Kilimanjaro National Park
6h
Hiking Distance: 16.5km
Hiking Time: 11hrs up and down
Habitat: Ice Cap
A very early start as you set off by the light of our head-torches, on a zigzag trail on rough volcanic scree. It is a tough 5 to 6hrs climb of almost 1000 Meter to the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685m), which is a convenient point to rest and watch the sunrise on Mawenzi. It is a further 2-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa. Usually in the early morning, the conditions are clear and there are panoramic views over the crater, to Mawenzi and Mount Meru (4565m), looking very small below us. This part of the route takes us through a moonscape of volcanic rock and remnant glaciers with their impressive ice cliffs. After admiring the summit views and taking the obligatory summit photos we pat ourselves on the back for this awesome Achievement. you then retrace your path around the crater rim you make a rapid descent to the Kibo Hut (4700m).
Day 5: Descend to Marangu Gate 1800
Kilimanjaro National Park
6h
Horombo Camp (3,720m/12,205ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,906ft)
Hiking Distance: 19km
Hiking Time: 6-7hrs
Habitat: Montane forest
As you descend from Horombo, you begin to encounter more vegetation and the lower part of the route is through pine forest. We pass the traditional first camping place on the Marangu Route at the Mandara Huts and continue our descent to the Marangu Gate (1800m).
You will say fond farewell to our trusty guide, staff and the porters who have helped us during the past week and pick up our certificates of ascent, you will have Lunch with our Mountain Crew before transfer to our hotel.
For the climbers who do have a flight to catch, we will drive back to our office in Arusha for quick shower and short rest before you are transferred to the respective airport for your inbound or outbound flight.
Meeting and pickup
Pickup details
Also we can pick up you on your lodge
Additional information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
