Rongai Route (7 Days)

Rongai Route is the easiest routes and the success rate is very high.
The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least traveled routes. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many view points.
The drive to the trail head takes about 2.5 hours from Moshi through many villages and coffee plantations, including a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu.

Highlights:

Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport – Hotel

No need to arrange transport! Our transfer driver will collect you and all your gear from Kilimanjaro Airport and take you to the hotel in Moshi, Later you will meet the Karibu Adventure operation team. They will tell you more about the trip, share tips and safety information and thoroughly check your gear to see if you have everything you need.

• Meals: BLD (Full board accommodation)

Day 2: Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave(simba camp)

After stopping at the Marangu Gate for permits, we proceed to the wooden village of Nale Moru, where the trailhead begins. The trail winds through corn and potato fields, and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Black and White Colobus Monkey. We camp at Rongai Cave(simba camp).

• Elevation (ft): 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
• Distance: 7 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

Day 3: Rongai Cave to 2nd Cave to Kikelewa Cave

After breakfast we begin the morning hike with a steady incline and reach 2nd Cave while en-route to Kikelewa Cave. Views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim begin to emerge.

• Elevation (ft): 9,300 ft to 11,811 ft
• Distance: 12 km
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Health

Day 4: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Hut

The hike today is short and steep, up a grassy slope.  Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the alpine desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.

• Elevation (ft): 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5: (Acclimatization day)Mawenzi Tarn Hut

This is an acclimatization day. We hike steadily up a ridge with fantastic views on both sides; the landscape is rugged and rocky.  After spending a few moments exploring Mawenzi Ridge, we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp. Extra days on the trail give our bodies the opportunity to acclimatize and assist with summit day.

• Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to14,400 ft to 14,160 ft
• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking Time: 2-4 hours

DAY 6: Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

The trail climbs gradually across the rocky lunar landscape as we traverse the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. Our campsite for the night sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting and preparing for the final ascent in the early morning.

• Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 7: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Point to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

• Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
• Down to 3700m/12,200ft
• Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: BLD

Day 8: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate           Rongai Route 7 Days

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Karibu Adventures vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your Hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

• Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
• Distance: 20km/12.5mi
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Forest
• Meals: B

We look forward to preparing your “trip of a lifetime”

Karibu Adventure