The Rongai route is one of the most favourable routes to attempt Kilimanjaro during the rainy season, as it sees substantially less rain than the southern routes.
The route ‘also known as the Nalemuru route’ is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the North, close to the Kenyan border. The route offers a true wilderness experience in the early stages of the climb and fewer acclimatization opportunities.
It is less scenic and flat than other routes. Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who want a more remote hike, and for those who climb during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation).
The minimum number of days required for this route is 6 days. However, 7 days are recommended because a 6-day variation does not have an acclimatization day on day 4 at Mawenzi Tarn Hurt. This route descends through the Marangu route.
Itinerary
Day 1- Arrived in TanzaniaArrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) where you will meet Hilbas representatives, be picked up and transferred to the hotel for hot showers, comfortable beds, a briefing, and gear checks. We will also arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.
Day 2- Rongai Gate to Simba CampSimba Camp
Elevation: 1900m/6270ft to 2626m/8665ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 3 hours.
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
The driver will pick you up from the Hotel at Marangu Gate, where registration takes place, while guides and porters prepare equipment. After that, the driver will transfer you again to Rongai Gate/Nalemuru which will take about 3 hours. Lunch will be on the way to the gate or at the gate before starting your climb. Your hike will start from the Nalemuru village, the small winding path crosses maize, beans, and potatoes fields before entering the pine forest and then climbs gently through a forest, here is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Black and White colobus and Blue monkeys, Baboons as well as different species of flowers. This is the head tent route. Dinner will be served in your mess tent and you will camp in the Moorland area
Day 3- Simba Camp to Second Cave to Kikelelwa CampKikelelwa Camp
Elevation: 2626m/8665ft to 3600m/11880ft to 3450m/11385ft
Distance: 12 km
Hiking time: 6-7 hours.
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
After breakfast, we will continue hiking slowly through the moorland to the second cave, where you will have your lunch. After lunch, we will hike very slowly and head southeast across up and down on the small path in the moorland. We will head towards Mawenzi's peak. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley.
Day 4- Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn HutMawenzi Tarn Hut
Elevation: 3600m/11880ft to 4300m/14190ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 3 hours.
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
This is another short day but a steep hike up the grassy slope. At the top, you will have magnificent views from a different angle of the National Park and Mawenzi Peak. You will arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Hut in time for lunch and then have the whole afternoon to explore the surrounding area and acclimatize.
Day 5- Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo HutKibo Hut
Elevation: 4300m/14190ft to 4720m/15576ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours.
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we will continue west through the Saddle and Lunner desert which is formed between the peak of Kibo and Mawenzi. It will take 5 or 6 hours to reach Kibo Hut. Sometimes you will have to pack lunch and stop on the way for lunch or a hot lunch at Kibo Hut. However, it depends on your speed. The route is dry but provides a spectacular view of the mountains. At Kibo Hut you will be served an early dinner then go to bed.
Day 6- Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo HutUhuru Peak
Elevation: 4720m/15576ft to 5895m/19453ft to 3720m/12276ft
Distance: 21 km
Hiking time: 13-15 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert/Arctic zone/Moorland.
This is your special day when your dream comes true, your guide will wake you up around 11:00 pm for tea and biscuits, Summit will begin at midnight, we follow a switchback path up to a volcanic scree slope, passing William Point (5000m/15000 ft) to Hans Meyer Cave (5200m/17000 ft), after a short break we proceed to Gillman’s point (5681m), which is located on the crater rim.
A bit further around the crater, we reach our goal, Uhuru Peak (5895m/19453ft), the roof of Africa. You'll have a short time to take photos at the summit. Descending to Kibo Hut is fast. After lunch, other refreshments. Continue to the Horombo huts. You'll enjoy your last dinner on the mountain in the evening despite your exhaustion.
Day 7- Horombo Hut to Marangu GateMarangu Gate
Elevation: 3720m/12276ft to 2720m/8976ft
Distance: 19 km
Hiking time: 7-8 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland/Rainforest.
This is another big day, and after early breakfast, will start descending passing through Mandara Hut before reaching the Marangu gate. We will cross through the moorland to the rainforest where you can spot many birds, tall trees, flowers, and many interesting things. Our route will end at Marangu Gate which will require all hikers to sign out in order to receive certificates of completion. A driver from Hilbas Tours will drive back to Hotel. On the way back, you will pass through coffee and banana farms around Marangu villages.
Day 8- Departure from TanzaniaAfter an early breakfast, transfer to Safari or Kilimanjaro airport for your home departure flight.
Inclusion
Transport:
- Pick-up at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Transfer to a hotel in Moshi/Arusha and back to the airport.
-Transfer to the trailhead – entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;
- Pick up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel in Moshi/Arusha.
Accommodation:
Three-star hotel rooms (Moshi town) before and after the climb; The hotels have everything you need for your comfort.
Sharing tent accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Please note:
All accommodation is shared (i.e. you will share a twin/double room in the hotel and a tent during the hike with your travel companion).
If you travel alone, we will match you with a same-sex adventurer).
Entry fees and salaries
-All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park, -Camping fees, Vehicle fees, Rescue fees, and all Government taxes.
-Guides, porters, waiters, cook’s accommodation, Entry fees on the mountain and Salaries
Climbing crew:
-Professional / Experienced English-speaking Mountain guides, licensed by –Kilimanjaro National Park.
-All our guides hold Wilderness First Aid certifications.
-Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp masters, porters, cooks, etc.).
Meals:
- Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
-3 standard meals a day on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
-All drinks on the hike (Coffee, tea, Milo tea, water, etc).
Hiking and safety equipment:
-All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table
Exclusions
Insurance:
- Travel insurance is not covered by the tour price. You can arrange travel insurance with your preferred insurance company.
- Airline tickets;
- Visa fee, passport, vaccinations, and medicines.
- Flying doctors;
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the ascent);
- Personal gear rentals;
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, souvenir money)
- A tip of between 250 and 400 dollars per person is recommended for the mountain crew.
Additional notes:
If you have booked your climb through an agent that gives you different tip information, please tip according to the agent’s information.
