Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 9 Days Hike
Trekking Features
Trip Overview
Exploring the Rongai Route: A Unique Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventure
The Rongai Route presents a distinctive opportunity for trekkers seeking to explore Mount Kilimanjaro away from the more frequented paths. Positioned on the northern slope of the mountain, this route is often regarded as a hidden gem, providing an alternative experience for both seasoned climbers and beginners. While many climbers choose classic routes like Marangu or Machame, Rongai caters to those in search of solitude amid nature’s grandeur.
Starting from the sleepy town of Rongai, the journey begins at an altitude of approximately 1,950 meters, offering a gradual ascent that appeals to a wide range of trekkers. As hikers make their way up, they traverse through a diverse array of climatic zones. The Rongai Route stands out by allowing trekkers to experience lush rainforest settings, alpine deserts, and stunning views of both the mountain’s summit and its surrounding landscapes. This variety not only captures the beauty of Kilimanjaro but also enriches the overall trekking experience.
Part of the allure of the Rongai Route lies in its less crowded nature. This aspect particularly resonates with those looking to escape the hustle and bustle often associated with more popular routes, enabling trekkers to enjoy a more personal connection with the environment. Additionally, the northern approach offers unique perspectives of the mountain, complemented by opportunities to observe diverse wildlife and vegetation along the trail. This makes it a highly recommended option for trekking enthusiasts planning their adventurous escapade in 2024.
What the price Include
- Hotel accommodation before and after your climb
- Airport transfers
- Transfers to and from the mountain
- National Park entry, camping, climbing and rescue fees
- A fully supported climb (average ratio of support staff to climbers is 4:1)
- All meals and drinking water on the mountain
- A clean and private portable toilet (no long drops for you!)
- High quality dining tent and sleeping tents with comfortable foam mattress
- Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit
- A certificate documenting your summit ascent
What the price Exclude Exclude
- International flights and visas
- Tips for your guide and crew
- Travel insurance (you must be insured for trekking up to 6000m)
- Your personal trekking gear
- Snacks on the mountain
- Meals and drinks not on the mountain
Detailed Itinerary
All trekkers need to organise their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). From JRO we will arrange a private transfer to your hotel. That night or early the next morning you will meet your local Tanzania Wildcats Safaris representative and have a full pre-climb briefing.
- Transport:Â Private transfer
- Accomodation:Â Hotel
Transfer from your hotel to Marangu Gate for registration and then a further transfer to the Rongai trailhead (approx. 2½ hours). Our porters prepare and pack our supplies and luggage before we start our ascent through the village of Nale Moru. The small winding path crosses maize fields before climbing gently through a pine forest until we reach First Cave Camp at 2,600m altitude.
- Transport:Â Private transfer
- Hiking time:Â 4Â -Â 5Â hours
- Ascent:Â 650Â m
- Max. altitude:Â 2600Â m
- Accomodation:Â Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelewa Caves at 3600m. From here the views start to open up and you will see for yourself how huge a mountain Kilimanjaro really is. We camp here overnight.
- Hiking time:Â 6Â -Â 7Â hours
- Ascent:Â 1000Â m
- Max. altitude:Â 3600Â m
- Accomodation:Â Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330 m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation.
- Hiking time:Â 4Â -Â 5Â hours
- Ascent:Â 730Â m
- Max. altitude:Â 4330Â m
- Accomodation:Â Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
We will spend a full day at and around Mawenzi Tarn as part of the acclimatisation process. There will be plenty to do, with several paths leading up the ridges and towers of Mawenzi, and our crew will help arrange short excursions to explore the area.
- Max. altitude:Â 4330Â m
- Accomodation:Â Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
We cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Campsite (4750m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent tomorrow.
- Hiking time:Â 3Â -Â 4Â hours
- Ascent:Â 420Â m
- Max. altitude:Â 4750Â m
- Accomodation:Â Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
You will be woken around 23:30 and after some tea and biscuits we will start our ascent. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). We then zigzag up to Gilman's Point (5681m) on the crater rim. This section is very steep with much stone scree and is the most demanding section of the route. From Gilman's Point we could encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long we can spend taking photographs before we descend back to Kibo Campsite and then Horomobo Hut where we will stay overnight. Later in the evening we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
- Hiking time:Â 12Â -Â 13Â hours
- Ascent:Â 1145Â m
- Descent:Â 2175Â m
- Max. altitude:Â 5895Â m
- Accomodation:Â Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast we continue our descent, passing Mandara Hut, down to the Marangu Gate. Transfer to your hotel for a well-earned shower and celebration.
- Transport:Â Private transfer
- Hiking time:Â 6Â -Â 7Â hours
- Descent:Â 1740Â m
- Max. altitude:Â 3720Â m
- Accomodation:Â Hotel
- Meals included:Â Breakfast
After a much needed nights rest, we will bid you goodbye. If you have arranged airport transfers with us or a safari / Zanzibar trip, we will collect you in the morning for your onward journey.
- Transport:Â Private transfer
- Meals included:Â Breakfast
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- If preferred, you can contact us directly
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+255 622 191 154
Quality Servies
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