Route Highlights
- Trek Duration: 7 Days, 6 Nights
- Difficulty: Medium
- Scenery: Excellent
- Traffic: Low
- Start & End: Moshi, Kilimanjaro
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Route Overview
Less crowded because of its remote location the route offers trekkers a unique wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant and buffalo. As there is typically less moisture on this side of the mountain you are less likely to encounter rain and have more unclouded views of the peak. While it is flatter, it does not give the climb high sleep low option and therefore recommended to select more days for acclimatization.
The Rongai route is one of the easier routes up Kilimanjaro. Rongai is the only route to approach Kilimanjaro from the north and the descent is via the Marangu Route. Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep and follows the same path taken by the Marangu route which passes Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak.
Trekking Itinerary
Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path 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.
Rongai Cave to to Second Cave
Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
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Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Health
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Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Health
We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.
Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.
Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
Elevation: 14,160 ft -14,400 ft
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn
Elevation: 14,400 ft -14,160 ft
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
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Distance: 2 km | 1 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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Distance: 2 km | 1 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.
Elevation: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
School Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
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Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Arctic
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Distance: 16 km | 10 miles
Habitat: Health
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Total Cost Covers:
Cost does not Cover:
| No of Clients | Price(per person) |
|---|---|
| 2-3 | $ 1,800 |
| 4-5 | $1,750 |
| 6+ | $1,600 |