RONGAI
Starting from Rongai Gate, the journey entails ascending to the peak and concluding at Marangu Gate. This unique route ensures that every step taken throughout the trek is on a fresh path, with no retracing via the Rongai pathway. This route is recommended for climbing in wet season and if you want to experience less crowds.
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Difficulty: Low
Distance: 73 km
Duration: 6-7 days
Success rate: Medium
Success Rate
The Rongai Route up Kilimanjaro is a great choice for climbers who lack the time to spend more time on the mountain. This route has a steady, gradual slope that makes it easier for climbers to adjust to the altitude. It's success rate is abut 80% for 7 day trek and 65% for 6 days. The Rongai route is considered "hard" due to its unfavorable acclimatization pattern. Unlike other routes, it does not involve climbing to high altitudes during the day and returning to lower altitudes at night, which is a useful technique for helping the body adjust to the altitude.
How Many Days?
We suggest taking seven days to complete the Rongai route instead of the recommended six. This allows for extra time to acclimatize, which is important for successfully summiting the mountain. Our observation suggests that the majority of individuals who have adequately prepared for Kilimanjaro manage to navigate through the seven-day Rongai trail without any significant hindrances. Remember, climbing Kilimanjaro is not a competition. If you are making the effort to travel all the way to Tanzania to summit the mountain, take your time and savor every moment of the experience.
Scenery
Rongai Route offers a more remote experience, as it is the only route that approaches the mountain from the north and is one of the least crowded routes. It's a great option for those seeking a challenge, as well as those looking for a more peaceful experience. Although it's not known for its stunning scenery, many hikers choose the Rongai route when climbing Kilimanjaro. This is due to the fact that the north side of the mountain typically has drier weather, which increases the chances of clear visibility while on the trail.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave
Your journey will take you from Moshi, to Marangu Gate where you will check in. From there, you will take a short transfer to the Rongai Gate Trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields before gently climbing through the forest. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey. You will stay at the first campsite in the evening and prepare for the next day's trekking!
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Accommodation: Camping (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
Hiking Time: 3 to 7 hours
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
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DAY 2 – Rongai Cave to Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
This morning, our journey takes us uphill towards Second Cave. We brave moorland and venture off the beaten path to make our way towards the rugged Mawenzi peaks. As evening falls, we reach Kikelewa Cave to rest for the night.
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Accommodation: Camping (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours to Second Cave and 3 to 4 hours to Kikelewa Cave
Distance: 6 km/4 miles to Second Cave and 6 km/4 miles to Kikelewa Cave
Habitat: Health
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Day 3 – Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
The grassy slope we'll be climbing on our hike today is brief yet steep. The wilderness area's panoramic views are breathtaking. As we leave the heath zone and reach the Alpine Desert zone, the scenery changes drastically. At Mawenzi Tarn, we'll set up camp beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi. Spend the rest of your day exploring or unwinding in the region.
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Accommodation: Camping (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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Day 4 – Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn
We'll take advantage of the extra day for acclimating by hiking along the striking Mawenzi Ridge. The spectacular scenery of Kibo and Mawenzi are bound to inspire you. Once you’ve had the chance to fully appreciate the terrain, we'll return to camp at Mawenzi Tarn.
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Accommodation: Camping (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 14,160 ft -14,400 ft to 14,160 ft
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours to Mawenzi Ridge and 1-2 hours to Mawenzi Tarn
Distance: 2 km/1 miles to to Mawenzi Ridge and 2 km/1 miles to to Mawenzi Tarn
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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Day 5 – Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
On day 5, you'll cross the lunar desert of the Saddle which offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. It's a great place to take a break and marvel at the beauty of the mountain and its surroundings. We'll reach the Kibo Hut in the afternoon. You should unroll your sleeping bag promptly as you'll be waking up around midnight for the final trek to the summit.
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Accommodation: Camping (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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Day 6 – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
You will start the summit attempt just before midnight. This portion of the climb may be challenging as you'll be trekking at night and the wind and cold may be extreme. By dawn, you arrive near the rim at Gilman’s point, at an altitude of 18,600ft and be greeted by the most magnificent sun rise you could imagine. From here you have about 1 hr hike to the Uhuru Peak. After a short celebration, and pictures, you will start descending to Horombo Hut where we'll enjoy our last dinner on the mountain.
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Accommodation: Camping (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent and 4-5 hours descent
Distance: 6 km/4 miles ascent and 16 km/10 miles descent
Habitat: Arctic, Health
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Day 7 – Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
After breakfast, you will descend to Marangu Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and rest. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
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Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest