overview
Rongai Route begins on the Northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a long drive to the starting point from Moshi town, but you are rewarded by fantastic views and sometimes you will be the only climbers around; Rongai route reviews. If you take this route up the mountain, you are obliged by park rules to descend via the Marangu Route on the South side of the mountain, therefore climbers see the mountain from many views point, which is the most popular and well used route.
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania and transfer to the hotel
Arrive in Tanzania via Kilimanjaro International airport (JRO) Done Adventures Safari staff will pick you up and transfer to Moshi town where you will spend the first night at a hotel. For those who will arrive through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKA) in Kenya, we will pick them and transfer by Shuttle bus to Moshi.
Day 2: Drive to Rongai Gate (2000M) and climbing to Simba Camp (2600M) 4 hours
We depart early in the morning and drive around Kilimanjaro to the North side where the Rongai Gate is. It takes about 4hrs but offers some great views. After registering at the gate and sorting gear for the porters we then walk through the forest for 4hrs to reach Camp 1 at 2800m. This is a great day for seeing wildlife.
- Zone: Rainforest
Day 3: Simba Camp 3,500 M to first cave 3,600 M
- Zone: Low Alpine Zone
Rain forest zone.
Elevation Gain: 100 meters, 510 feet 3-4 hrs
Day 4: First cave 2,600 M to Kikelewa camp 3,600 M
Elevation Gain: 1000 meters, 3,300 feet 7hrs
- Zone: Low Alpine Zone
Day 5: Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp 4,315 M
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area
Day 6; Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp 4703 M
Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp.
Day 7: Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak 5,895 M
You will wake up around 11:30pm, The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you madeit. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut for a short rest ten after you descent to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The descent to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent.
Day 8: Descend from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates.
You now drive back to Moshi at Park View Inn where your trekking tour ends
