Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
RONGAI ROUTE this is the only route that ascends from the northern slopes of the mountain. It is very similar in nature to the Marangu route, but it involves camping. The addition of a sixth day offers a unique opportunity to visit Mawenzi tarn and the northern amphitheatre of Mawenzi.
Duration 6 Days/5 Nights
7 Days/6 Nights,
8 Days/7 Nights
Duration 6 Days/5 Nights
7 Days/6 Nights,
8 Days/7 Nights
Sample Itinerary (6 Days/5 Nights)
Day 1 - To first cave, 1950m to 2600m, 6400ft to 8500ft, about 4hrs transfer by land rover (about 3hrs) to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1950m). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wider path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2600) with the extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Day 2 - To Kikelewa Camp, 2600m to 3600m, 8500ft to 11800ft, about 7hrs. The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the second rim. After lunch, leave the main trail and stripe ouyt across the moorland on a small path using a small path towards the jagged peaks of mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near kikelewa camp. (3600m)
Day 3- To Mawenzi Tarn, 3600m to 4330m, 11800ft to 14200ft about 4hrs. Superb all-round views and grassy slopes. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at mawenzi Tarn (4330m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatize. if you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around mawenzi fior your aclimatization.
Day 4 - To kibo Camp, 4330m to 4750m, 14200ft to 15600ft. about 5hrs. Cross the lunar desert of the saddle between mawenzi and kibo to reach campsite (4750m) at the bottom of kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for final ascent before a very early night.
Day 5 -To summit and Horombo hut, 4750m to 5895m and down to 3720m 15600ft to 19300ft, about 11hrs. Begin the final and by far steepest and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around 1.00 amproceed very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's point (5685m) rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make a 3hrs trip to Uhuru peak (5895m); passing close to glaciers and ice cliffs that occupy most of the summit area. The descent to kibo (4700m) is suprisingly fast and after some refreshment the descent continues to reach the campsite at Horombo (3720m).
Day 6 - To Moshi, elevation (m): 3720m to 1700m, 12200ft to 5500ft hiking time. 5-7 hours. After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2700m) the first stoping point at Marangu (1830m). At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. waiters and trekking poles will help. shorts and T-Shirts will propably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Day 2 - To Kikelewa Camp, 2600m to 3600m, 8500ft to 11800ft, about 7hrs. The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the second rim. After lunch, leave the main trail and stripe ouyt across the moorland on a small path using a small path towards the jagged peaks of mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near kikelewa camp. (3600m)
Day 3- To Mawenzi Tarn, 3600m to 4330m, 11800ft to 14200ft about 4hrs. Superb all-round views and grassy slopes. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at mawenzi Tarn (4330m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatize. if you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around mawenzi fior your aclimatization.
Day 4 - To kibo Camp, 4330m to 4750m, 14200ft to 15600ft. about 5hrs. Cross the lunar desert of the saddle between mawenzi and kibo to reach campsite (4750m) at the bottom of kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for final ascent before a very early night.
Day 5 -To summit and Horombo hut, 4750m to 5895m and down to 3720m 15600ft to 19300ft, about 11hrs. Begin the final and by far steepest and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around 1.00 amproceed very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's point (5685m) rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make a 3hrs trip to Uhuru peak (5895m); passing close to glaciers and ice cliffs that occupy most of the summit area. The descent to kibo (4700m) is suprisingly fast and after some refreshment the descent continues to reach the campsite at Horombo (3720m).
Day 6 - To Moshi, elevation (m): 3720m to 1700m, 12200ft to 5500ft hiking time. 5-7 hours. After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2700m) the first stoping point at Marangu (1830m). At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. waiters and trekking poles will help. shorts and T-Shirts will propably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
