7 DAYS RONGAI
- DESTINATION: TANZANIA | PLACE TO VISIT: MT.KILIMANJARO
Description
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. Descent is made via the Marangu route.
Our Team:
Our expert guides, porters and cook are truly the key to our trip’s success. All are locals who are born and raised under the footsteps of Mount Kilimanjaro. They’re all passionate, enthusiastic and endlessly knowledgeable.
Detailed Itinerary
ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT.
Representative of Pic a Place Safaris will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and escort you to tonight’s accommodations in Moshi. As local Tanzania’s our guides know the country with unrivaled familiarity, so you’ll be in good hands from the moment you land to the moment you leave.
Accommodation: Midrange
Meal Plan: Full Board
Note: Check-in starts at 11:00 AM
DAY 1: RONGAI GATE TO RONGAI CAVE.
Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4hours
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.
DAY 2: RONGAI CAVE TO SECOND CAVE.
Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11, 300 ft
Distance: 6 km/ 4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
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.
DAY 3: KIKELEWA CAVE TO MAWENZI TARN
Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
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.
DAY 4: MAWENZI TARN TO MAWENZI RIDGE.
Elevation: 14,160 ft to 14,400 ft
Distance: 2 km/1 mile
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Mawenzi Ridge to Mwenzi Tarn
Elevation: 14,400 ft to 14,160 ft
Distance: 2 km/ 1 mile
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.
DAY 5: MAWENZI TARN TO KIBO HUT
Elevation: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
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.
DAY 6: KIBO HUT TO UHURU PEAK
Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance; 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 19,341 to 12,250 ft
Distance: 16km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
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.
DAY 7: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Accommodation: Midrange
Meal Plan: Full Board
DEPARTURE
You will be picked up from the hotel and be transferred to the airport to catchup your flight back home.
Note: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, you have the option to extend your hotel stay till 6:00 PM for an extra fee.
Accommodation
- (Bb)-- Bed and breakfast Basis
- (Hb)-- Half Board Basis
- (Fb) --Full board Basis
Includes & Excludes
Includes.
- Airport pick up and drop off
- 2 night hotel Accommodation in Moshi (before and after trek) on full board basis (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Quality, waterproof, four season mountain sleeping tent.
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs.
- Professional, experienced, English speaking mountain guides.
- All Tanzanian National Park Fees.
- All hot Meals prepared by our cook while on Mountain.
- Portable toilet tent.
- Fair wages for Guides, Porters and Cook as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA).
- Oxygen Tank and Pulse Ox-meter for healthy and safety purpose.
- Hot drinks at every meal.
- Water provided on climb, mineral water for the first day and boiled water every day.
Excludes.
- Tips for Mountain Crew
- Nonalcoholic drinks and Alcoholic drinks.
- Laundry services
- All items of person nature such as telephone call, fax, email etc.
- Visa and International flight tickets fees.
- Travel Insurance
Navigate
- RONGAI ROUTE
- 7 DAYS TREKKING
Places: Mount Kilimanjaro
Love this sample itinerary? Contact us to make it your dream vacation!
