Home Treks & Hikes Mt Kilimanjaro Hike via Rongai Route

6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via Rongai Route

Summary

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. This route has low traffic but is gaining popularity among climbers. It is the preferred route for those wanting a more remote hike, those looking for an easier route, or those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Although the minimum number of days required for this route is six days, seven days are recommended. Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai passes through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. This route also descends the Marangu route.

Day 1: Rongai Gate – First Cave Camp (8,695 ft)

You will be picked up from your hotel at around 8:30 Am and then transferred to Rongai gate. Climbs of Kilimanjaro by the Rongai Route begin at the picturesque village of Nale Moru (1,950m), on a small path through potato and corn fields. After entering the pine forest, it takes approximately three to four hours to reach the first camp, situated on the edge of the moorland zone.

Day 2: First Cave Camp – Second Cave Camp (11,319 ft)

A steady ascent across open grasslands (which attract elephant and other wildlife) brings us to second cave camp, where the views out over Amboseli and Tsavo parks in Kenya are superlative. This section of the trail takes approximately four hours.

Day 3: Second Cave Camp – Third Cave Camp (12,713 ft)

Today you will trek up a gentle gradient to third cave, with superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim. Allow yourself three to four hours for this section of the trail. Your easy, steady pace on the Rongai Route minimizes levels of difficulty and significantly assists acclimatization.

Day 4: Third Cave Camp – Kibo Hut on Marangu Trail (15,463 ft)

The ascent to Kibo Hut takes about four to five hours, with the trail crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The remainder of this day is devoted to rest and recreation, in preparation for your attempt on the summit which starts around midnight.

Day 5: Kibo Hut – Summit – Horombo Hut (12,201 ft)

It is at this stage that the climb becomes much more difficult and hikers should carry as little as possible for this stage. Making your way up a path that is flanked by the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers, you will climb for about six hours before reaching the edge of the crater between Stella and Hans Meyer points. The track around the edge of the crater is icy and rocky, so concentrate on your feet and follow your guide very closely for this section of the climb.

Another hour of climbing will bring you to the summit – Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the African continent. Enjoy your sense of achievement as you watch the rising sun reflect of Kilimanjaro’s ice-caps and glaciers. Trek down to Kibo Hut (a relatively quick descent) for a well-deserved breakfast before continuing down to your final night on the mountain at Horombo Hut.

Day 6: Horombo Hut – Marangu gate

Take time to appreciate the different flora and thick forest on this side of the mountain, as you walk down from Horombo to Marangu Gate. Now is the time to collect your certificate, say goodbye to your new mountain friends and rejoin your vehicle for the short drive Arusha or airport where you will bid farewell to your amazing trekking crew.