Rongai Route
This is the third popular route on Kilimanjaro and involves a much shorter approach to Kibo than the Marangu Route. Is the only trail that starts from the Northern, or Kenyan side of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Because of its remote location, the route offers trekkers a relatively unspoilt wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant and buffalo.
Details
Drive from Arusha to Marangu Gate for the necessary registration formalities and then transferred by Land Rover to Rongai, which should take about 1.5 hours. The climb starts at the village of NaleMoru (1,950 m.) through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the pine forest. The climb is consistently and gently through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. Reaching the first Campsite, at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m.), gives you extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Distance: 8km / 5km
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast start with a steady walk ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m.). Start seeing Kibo Peak and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. Leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves (3.600 m.) (15km, 5-7 hrs of trekking)
Distance: 15km
Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest/ Low-alpine zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trailing start with a short but steep climb up grassy slopes, which are rewarded with superb circular views and a tangible sense of wilderness, before reaching Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m.), for camping. Spend the rest of the day resting or exploring the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
Distance: 8km
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Early morning proceeds with trekking crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Campsite at the foot of the Kibo crater wall. Spend the remainder of the day resting and preparing for the final ascent.
Distance: 8km
Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Zone: High-alpine zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The last day will be a really early beginning for the summit, normally 23:30, trailing through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point, take a rest for a short while before continuing to the Uhuru Peak (which might take 3 hours). After relaxing, watching the sunrise and taking memorable pictures, start descending to the Horombo Hut and spend overnight there.
Distance: 22km
Trekking Time: 12-15 hours
Zone: Glacial zone/Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This is the last day of your incredible journey! The hike to Marangu Gate is a long one, with nearly 20km. After breakfast we continue our descent, passing Mandara Hut, down to the Marangu Gate. Transfer to your hotel for a well-earned shower and celebration.
Distance: ~20km
Trekking Time: 5-8 hours
Zone: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
