Overview
Rongai is the only of routes of Kilimanjaro starting on the northern slope of the mount. Though this part of the Mountain is rarely visited by hikers, it is not less interesting than the popular southern and western slopes. We recommend Rongai to all those who like reclusive hiking experiences.
Getting to the trailhead - Nalemuru Gate - usually takes 3-4 hours from the hotel in Moshi.
Rongai is also the only route that passes by Mawenzi, one of the three volcanic cones of Kilimanjaro and the third highest peak in Africa. The way back lies through Marangu, and thus you will be able to see both sides of the mountain.
Though six and seven-day programs are available for the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route itinerary, the longer option is recommended for better acclimatization transition.
Arrive in Tanzania
Pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town, afterward your guide will come to brief you about the trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear.
Day 1 - Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2570m)
Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 4 hours
Habitat: Tropical Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at your hotel in the morning to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park's northern entrance: Nalemuru Gate (2,020m/6627f). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Simba Camp (2,671m/8612f). Your trek this day will be moderate and take you through the coniferous forest up Kilimanjaro's northern slope. Remember not to hurry and always keep a comfortable pace. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will have prepared everything necessary, put up tents, and begun preparing dinner.
Day 2 - Simba Camp (2570m) to Kikelelwa camp (3700m)
Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 5 hours
Habitat: Moorland zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Another beautiful day with super views of the eastern ice field on the crater rims of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanoes which form the mountain. It will take us 3 hours to cross the moorland zone on a smaller path towards the jugged peaks of Mawenzi (5140 m) to reach at Kikelelwa for lunch and overnight.
Day 3 - Kikelelwa Camp (3630 m) to Mawenzi Tan Hut (4330m)
Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 4 hours
Habitat: Semi desert
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Today prepare yourself for a short day but steep climb that will take up grassy slopes where you will be rewarded by stunning all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. The camp is spectacularly located in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. You have free time in the afternoon that you can either use to rest or explore the surrounding areas as an aid to acclimatization. Overnight at Mawenzi Tan Hut (4330m)
Day 4 - Mawenzi Tan Hut (4330m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Today you will cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi to reach Kibo Hut. You will spend your afternoon for lunch and resting at Kibo while waiting for the final ascent to summit at midnight.
Day 5 - Summit Day
Distance covered: 22 km
Approximate time taken: 13 hours
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
The final part you will start climbing around 00:00. The part is considered the steepest and most demanding. Your guide will set a very standard pace to you (walk slowly). In the darkness it will take us 5 hours to reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (5685 m) where you will have a short rest with a cup of tea while you enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Afterwards you continue for almost 1 hour to UHURU Peak (5895 m). You will be passing close to the spectacular glacier and ice diffs that still occupy most of the summit area. After taking photos at the top of Africa you will start walking down to Kibo Hut for a short rest and hot lunch before descending to Horombo Hut. Stay overnight at Horombo hut.
Day 6 - Horombo Hut (3720m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
Distance covered: 20 km
Approximate time taken: 7 hours
Meal: Breakfast, and lunch included
On the last day you will pass through heath and moorland zone to Mandara Hut (2700 m) and have a hot lunch there. Then continue going down through a tropical rain forest up to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. You will collect your certificates and after completing other park formalities the car will be ready to take you to your hotel in Moshi where you will have warm shower. It’s definitely time to celebrate!
Then - Depart Tanzania/ other destination in Tanzania.
Later in the evening or the next day you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport to board your home-bound flight. Also, Habari Adventure can organize an affordable safari trip to one of the best wildlife parks in Tanzania such as Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park.