7 DAYs Rongai ROUTE      

Overview    

This route is perfect for those looking for an alternative to the Marangu route due to provides more shelter from the weather and high winds. Rongai route is best option during the rainy season due to its location, which receive little rain but it does usually have far lower traffic than the other routes. It is generally considered to be the easiest of the quality routes on the mountain. Rongai is the best route for people who are looking for a decent quality experience and are perhaps not absolutely confident about their fitness and the route is good for people with no much experience on mountain climbing. This route can be climbed for 6 days, although 7 days is recommended for better acclimatization.

ARRIVE IN TANZANIA

Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will be meet with Boko Explorers representative, picked up there and transfer to hotel in Moshi town. Then you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.

Day 1: Nalemuru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m).

Distance covered: 8km / 5mi

Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel around 8:00 am and driven to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.

Day 2: Simba Camp (2625) to Second Cave (3480m)

Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi

Approx. time taken: 3 – 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Include

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone providing superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Day 3: Second Cave (3480m) to Kikelelwa Camp (3630m).

Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi

Approx. time taken: 3 – 4 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

kikelelwa Camp

Leaving the pine forest behind us, we carry on with a steady ascent walking though the moorland. There are superb views of the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanoes which form the mountain range. We will leave the main trail and strike out across moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the second of Kilimanjaro’s volcanoes. We will set up camp today in the sheltered valley near Kikelewa caves at 3630m

Day 4: Kikelelwa Camp (3630m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)

Distance covered: 8km / 5mi

Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Include

This morning we have a short but steep ascent up grassy slopes which is rewarded by a superb view of the Kenyan plains to the north. Shortly after we leave vegetation behind reaching our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut, which sit directly below the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. This afternoon you have chance to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

Distance covered: 8km / 5mi

Approx. time taken: 5 – 6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

We leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo. With the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background and our trail to the high camp stretched out before our eyes we truly get to realize how spectacular this place is. Upon reaching our camp the remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation of the final ascent after a very early night!

Day 6: Kibo Hut (4700m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) then, down to Horombo Hut (3700m)

Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi

Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.

Day 7: Horombo Hut (3700) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi

Approx. time taken: 8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Hotel: Bed & Breakfast

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Continuing through the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, we will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a private car will then take you back to your hotel where you can enjoy the warm shower you have been craving. It’s definitely time to celebrate!

End of The Trip