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- info@serengetisons.com
- Njiro, Arusha, TZ
The Rongai route is a less popular Kilimanjaro trail that has many unique advantages. Beginning on the northern slope of the mountain in a coniferous forest, it traverses a variety of climatic zones. The descent follows the Marangu route on the southwestern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here’s why the Rongai route stands as a top choice for climbing Kilimanjaro in 2024:
Firstly, it’s much less crowded than the busy southern Kilimanjaro trekking routes. You will see ten times fewer trekkers on Rongai! Secondly, the route is amazingly scenic, offering great views on Mawenzi and Kibo – two of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones, the surrounding Tanzanian landscapes, and unique flora like Kilimanjaro Giant Groundsels and tropical forests on the descent. While the northern slopes are drier and have less dense vegetation, there is plenty to see on your way up. Imagine awakening near the majestic peak of Mawenzi, its rocks bathed in the soft hues of sunrise, and spotting rare Bearded Vultures dance and glide, setting their course towards the distant horizon of Kenya. The Rongai route offers trekkers a more secluded and intimate experience for those seeking a quieter trekking adventure on Kilimanjaro.
Start in: Arusha
End in: Arusha
Day 1: Nale Muru Gate – Simba Camp: 7K/4.3MI | 3-4HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
Altitude gained: 638m
Departing from Moshi a 4-5 hour drive will take you through the coffee plantations and Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery, and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife you are likely to see. Simba camp sits near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone with spectacular views of the plains of Kenya.
Day 2: Simba Camp – Second Cave Camp: 5.8KM/3.6MI | 5-6HRS | MOONLAND
Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11440ft
Altitude gained: 852m
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we continue along moorland terrain on a consistent ascending path. You will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.
Day 3: Second Cave Camp – Kikelewa Camp: 5.95KM/3.7MI | 2-3HRS | Semi Desert
Elevation: 3487m/11,440ft to 3675m/12057ft
Altitude gained: 188m
After breakfast and packing, you continue your steady ascent across the Moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Easter ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness.
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn: 3.75KM/2.3MI | 3-4HRS | Semi Desert
Elevation: 3487m/11440ft to 4302m/14114ft
Altitude gained: 627m
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut: 8.9KM/5MI | 4-5HRS | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 4714m/15,466ft
Altitude gained: 412m
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach the Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent on Summit Night.
Day 6: Kibo Huts – Summit: 4KM/2.5 MI up | 5-7HRS | Horombo Huts: 15.75KM/9.8MI Down, 5-6HRS | Glaciers | Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 721m
Descent to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude lost: 2174m
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
Elevation: 3721m/12,208 to 1905m/6250ft
Altitude lost: 1816m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!!
Overnight at your requested hotel B&B. before being transferred to your journey home, safari, or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar.
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