Moshi (890m)
Direct Booking?
Direct Booking?
Direct Booking?
Direct Booking?
The Rongai Route is one of the easiest routes and the success rate is very high. The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least travelled routes.
The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many view points. The drive to the trailhead takes 4-5 hours through many villages and coffee plantations.
Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi town, which is commonly known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Meet your guide and review your equipment in the evening in preparation for the trek the following day.
3-4 hours
About 7 km’s
Transition Zone
After breakfast, transfer to Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After processing permits, begin a half-day trek to Rongai Camp, transitioning between lowland forests and moorlands.Â
3-4 hours
About 6 km’s
Moorlands
Register at the Marangu park gate with a transfer (approximately 2 ½ hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through beautiful country. The first night’s camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 metres.
There is a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just down the trail below First Cave, B,L,D.
3-4 hours
About 3 km’s
Moorlands
Trek through open moorlands filled with giant heathers and wildflowers. After lunch, head toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi and settle in at Kikelewa Cave for the night.Â
3-4 hours
About 6 km’s
Moorlands
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area, B,L,D.
4 – 5 hours
About 9 km’s
Alpine desert
Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp, B,L,D
8 hours to reach Uhuru, 6 hours to descend to Horombo
6 km’s ascent – 21 km’s descent
Stone scree and ice-capped summit
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. 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), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly.
From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drink and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions, B,L,D.
6 hours
About 27 km’s
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, and celebrations!! Overnight in the Hotel.
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