Rongai Route 6 days climb

The Rongai Route is one of the less trafficked routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a more remote and quieter climb. It starts on the northern side of the mountain, near the Kenyan border, and offers a unique experience with beautiful views of the mountain, wildlife, and different ecosystems. Here’s a 6-day itinerary for the Rongai Route:

Day 1: Nale Moru Gate (1,950m) to Simba Camp (2,650m)

• Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
• Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
• Elevation Gain: +700m
• Description:
  • Start your journey at Nale Moru Gate and ascend through the forest. You’ll pass through maize and potato farms and start getting into the rainforest.
  • After a gentle ascent, you’ll reach Simba Camp at an elevation of 2,650m.
  • The camp offers a beautiful and quiet setting with a chance to acclimatize.

Day 2: Simba Camp (2,650m) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)

• Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
• Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
• Elevation Gain: +950m
• Description:
  • On this day, you’ll continue trekking through moorland and heather zones. The route is steep in some sections, but the views become more expansive as you get higher.
  • You’ll arrive at Kikelewa Camp at 3,600m, where you’ll settle in for the night.
  • This camp offers excellent views of Kilimanjaro and a great place to acclimatize further.

Day 3: Kikelewa Camp (3,600m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m)

• Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
• Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
• Elevation Gain: +730m
• Description:
  • Today’s hike will take you through a high-altitude desert landscape, with spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak.
  • After a steady climb, you will reach Mawenzi Tarn Hut, located at the base of Mawenzi Peak.
  • Mawenzi Tarn is a great spot for acclimatization, as you’ll be at over 4,300 meters. You’ll also be surrounded by the dramatic landscape of the mountain.

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m) to Kibo Hut (4,700m)

• Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
• Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
• Elevation Gain: +370m
• Description:
  • The trail today takes you through the alpine desert, with little vegetation and a dry, rocky landscape.
  • You will arrive at Kibo Hut, your base camp for the summit attempt. This is where you’ll rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit push.
  • Kibo Hut is located at 4,700m, and it’s essential to get as much rest as possible before the final ascent.

Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,700m) to Summit (Uhuru Peak – 5,895m), descend to Kibo Hut for Lunch, then descend to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

• Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles) to summit, then 6 km (3.7 miles) back to Kibo Hut, then 13 km (8 miles) to Horombo Hut
• Trekking Time: 7-9 hours to summit, then 2-3 hours descent back to Kibo Hut, followed by 5-6 hours descent to Horombo Hut
• Elevation Gain: +1,195m to summit, then descend -2,175m to Horombo
• Description:
  • The summit attempt starts at midnight, with a long and steep climb toward Gilman’s Point (5,681m), followed by a more gradual ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro.
  • After reaching the summit, take in the incredible views and then descend back to Kibo Hut for a well-earned lunch and rest.
  • After lunch, you’ll continue descending down to Horombo Hut, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,830m)

• Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
• Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
• Elevation Loss: -1,890m
• Description:
  • The final day of your climb will involve descending through the rainforest zone, passing beautiful vegetation and lush forests as you head towards the Marangu Gate.
  • After reaching the gate, you’ll complete your Kilimanjaro adventure and receive your summit certificate.
  • You’ll be transferred back to your hotel to rest and celebrate.

Summary of the 6-Day Itinerary:

• Day 1: Nale Moru Gate to Simba Camp (2,650m)
• Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)
• Day 3: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m)
• Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut (4,700m)
• Day 5: Summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and descend to Kibo Hut, then continue to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
• Day 6: Descend from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,830m)

Why This Route Is Great:

• Kilimanjaro’s Northern Side: The Rongai Route is quieter compared to the more popular southern routes, making it a great option if you’re looking for a less crowded experience.
• Varied Scenery: You’ll experience diverse ecosystems, from forest to moorland to alpine desert and finally the lush rainforest on the descent.
• Acclimatization: The gradual ascent allows for better acclimatization, with strategic camp placements to minimize altitude sickness risk.