7-DAYS | 6 NIGHTS KILIMANJARO HIKING VIA RONGAI ROUTE

The rongai route also known as the loitoktok route is the trail that approaches the mountain from the north side, close to the Kenyan border. The route is still getting popular so it is less crowded compared to the southern routes. Hiking here can be done all throughout the year as the area receives less precipitation even during rainy season.

Acclimatization is done at mawenzi tarn for those hiking for seven days, which is highly recommended as there is less ‘climb high, sleep low’ option. Despite the fact that the route scenery is not as varied compared to other routes, rongai makes up for this by moving through wild areas for almost the entire trail.

The route does not offer huts and the camps are less frequent but they have all the crucial facilities and a rangers hut. After reaching the summit descent is done through the Marangu route, which can be an upside as you get the Mount Kilimanjaro view from both sides.

DAY 1

MOSHI - RONGAI GATE (NALE MORU) – SIMBA CAMP

We’ll depart from moshi to marangu gate for permit and after all the formalities we’ll head straight to rongai gate and begin our hike.

The hike will begin in by traversing though the forest which is a home to variety wildlife including black and white colobus monkey, as the forest begins to thin well come to our first camp which offers an extensive view of Kenya.

Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft

Distance: 6km/4mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2

SIMBA CAMP - SECOND CAVE

Start our hike after breakfast and mount to the second cave with an incredible view of kibo and eastern ice fields on the crater rim, after lunch we will rest in the camp or opt to explore the surrounding area for acclimatization factor.

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft

Distance: 6km/4mi

Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 3

SECOND CAVE - KIKELEWA CAVE

After breakfast, depart from the camp and walk out across moorland heading to the jagged peaks of mawenzi. Today’s hike is short and offers magnificent view of the wilderness. The camp will be setup in the sheltered valley near kikelewa caves at 3630m; the site is located beneath the jagged spires of mawenzi, at mawenzi tarn.

Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft

Distance: 9km/5mi

Walking Time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 4

KIKELEWA CAMP - MAWENZI TARN

This day is specific for acclimatization and it will be spent to hiking on mawenzi ridge, the unspoiled landscape offers spectacular views of kibo and mawenzi. After exploring the unique area you may opt to take rest or keep exploring the surrounding area. Dinner and overnight will be in mawenzi tarn.

Elevation: 3600m/11,800ft to 4330m/14,200ft

Distance: 6km/4mi

Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 5

MAWENZI TARN - KIBO HUT

We’ll begin our gradual climb to kibo hut and along the way we’ll pass through the saddle of Kilimanjaro which is between kibo and mawenzi. After reaching kibo, dinner will be served early and prepare for the summit climb which will start at 02:00am

Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft

Distance: 9km/5mi

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 6

KIBO HUT TO SUMMIT THEN HOROMBO HUT

Around 2:00 am you will be woken up for an early hike to the summit. Hot tea will be served with some snacks and a strenuous hike to the uhuru peak will begin. We will trek on the steep and snowy trail up to Gilman’s point and keep heading to uhuru peak; the highest peak in Africa. After reaching the peak, take some pictures and savor your victory and after that start your descent. We’ll have lunch at kibo and after that head to horombo for dinner and a night rest.

The last part of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can be a bit challenging so make sure you are well covered, as the weather will be very cold, pay attention to your guide and do not rush.

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 15,430ft -19,341ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 19,341ft - 12,250ft

Distance: 16 km/10 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Heath

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 7

HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE TO MOSHI

We’ll depart from horombo and start our descent through moorland to mandara hut. Proceed descending through the lush green forest to marangu gate a vehicle will meet you and take you back to your hotel in moshi. The lower parts of the mountain can be wet and slippery so trekking poles and gaiters will be helpful.

Elevation: 12,205ft to 6,046ft

Distance Covered: 18km down

Time to be used: 5 - 7hrs

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Habitat: Rain Forest

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch