8 Days Rongai Route

Overview
Rongai Route is the only route to peak of Kilimanjaro Mountain through the north-eastern part. Second to the Marangu Route in terms of climbing difficulty, this path is also get more recommendations from guides due to the spectacular and unique wilderness conditions it features. You spend a number of days hiking through true wilderness before joining up with the Marangu climbing Route at Kibo Camp.
Caves along the way offer an opportunity for overnight stay for climbers in a completely unique and wildlife fashion, and the route is a popular choice for those wanting to avoid the Marangu crowds especially on the holiday season.

Day 1: Arrival

Pick up from Arusha city or Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Arusha or Moshi city both the famous gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. You will have a half Board accommodation at a Base Hotel in Moshi or Arusha where all trekking briefings will take place and final preparation to embark on the journey to the roof of Africa.

DAY 2: Trekking from Rongai Gate to Rongai CaveDistance

8 km/5 miles

DAY 3: Trekking from Rongai Cave to Second Cave

Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
Trekking from Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave

Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
We will start a trail early in the morning with a progressive incline up to Second Cave. We then continue trekking through moorland, divert from the main trail to a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, then arriving at Kikelewa Cave and spend the night.

DAY 4: Trekking from Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
On this day the hike will be short and steep up a grassy slope. We will have a stunning view of wilderness. As we leave the heath zone and came to the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically.
Camp will be set beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. And the rest of the day remaining can be spent relaxing or exploring the surrounding area.

DAY 5: Trekking from Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge

Distance: 2 km/1 mile
Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft -14,400 ft
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Trekking from Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn
Distance: 2 km/1 mile
Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft -14,160 ft
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
This is an extra trekking day meant specifically for acclimatization and one can spent by hiking the surrounding of Mawenzi Ridge. The distinctive landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After taking a few moments exploring and navigating the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camping.

DAY 6: Trekking from Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

We will gradually climb and cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Kibo Hut sits at the foot of the Kibo crater wall. We will make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to organize for the summit day.

DAY 7: Trekking from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Descend from Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
Around midnight, we begin to progressively push to Uhuru peak. This is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek. There will be extreme wind and cold at this elevation. We will ascend in the darkness luckily with the moonlight over our heads for several hours while taking short, breaks.
Coming to Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be satisfied with the most magnificent sunrise coming over from Mawenzi Peak. And finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, the rood of Africa and the crown of Tanzania.
After spending a few moments at Uhuru peak taking all in from the plains of Africa and your triumph, we will descend to Horombo Hut.
Later in the evening, we will gather and enjoy our last dinner on the mountain, telling stories of the grater accomplishments and take a well-deserved sleep.

DAY 8: Descend from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On this last descending day, we have a long trek downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at a park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates of success. Afterwards you will be transferred back to a hotel in Moshi.