Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route5.5
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation).
The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. This route descends down the Marangu route. Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Detailed Day Wise Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrive Tanzania
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met by a Safari and Trekking Africa representative for a transfer to Moshi. Meet your climbing guide for briefing and final gear check. Stay overnight at the Sal Salinero hotel in Moshi. BB
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Day 2: Rongai Gate – 1st Cave camp (1950m|2600m)
Arrive at Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai park Gate located close to the Kenyan border for entry registration, then start trekking through the Rongai trail past farm fields where farming is evident and you are likely to see potatoes and maize farms.
12h30: Have lunch at a picnic site along the trail and a further afternoon walk to the camp
19h00: Dinner and retire for the day at 1st Cave campsite.
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Day 3: 1st Cave camp – Kikelewa Cave| Camp (2600m|3600m)
Breakfast and depart for Kikelewa Camp, a trek through the moorland
12h30: Have lunch at second cave camp (3450m)
Afternoon trek and arrive at Kikelewa Camp for evening tea.
19h00: Dinner and overnight at Kikelewa cave| camp.
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Day 4: Kikelewa Cave – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (3600m|4330m)
08h00: This day’s trek is a short, yet steep to Mawenzi Tarn Camp through a moorland vegetation where you will see some exotic plants i.e giant lobelia and groundsel.
12h30: Have picnic lunch along the trail.
14h00: Afternoon trek to camp and arrive with spectacular views and allow your bodies acclimate
19h00: Dinner and overnight at Mawenzi Tarn camp.
Note: An extra day for acclimatization can be added by staying overnight at Mawenzi Turn Camp then proceed to Kibo Hut the next day.
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Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut (4330m|4700m)
08h00: After breakfast, hike east for a half day to Kibo Hut which is located in the “saddle” which refers to the area between the peaks of Mawenzi and kibo in an alpine desert
12h30: Picnic lunch along the trail or camp if you make it early, afternoon at leisure
17h00: Have dinner and take the day’s rest ready for the midnight hike to the summit
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Day 6: Kibo Hut-Uhuru Peak-Horombo Hut (4700m|5895m|3720m)
00h00: Have a cup of coffee| tea and start the midnight trek to the summit via Hans Meyer cave(5150m) and continue your ascent to Gilmans point(5681m) Reaching this point is an achievement as the trail is steep, rocky and at high altitude..
06h00: Reach the summit, Uhuru peak, have a short period of photo taking then descend to Barafu camp for breakfast| Brunch and a little rest.
12h00: Continue down to Kibo hut for lunch and descend to Horombo Hut (3720m).
19h00: Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.
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Day 7: Horombo Hut-Marangu Gate-Moshi
08h00: Walk down to the park gate where you say goodbye to the guides and porters, have packed lunches on the way to the Sal Salinero hotel for a well-deserved hot shower. Afternoon spent at leisure relaxing by the pool| own arrangements
Overnight at the Sal Salinero hotel where you are booked on BB (Bed & Breakfast)
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Day 8: Moshi-Kilimanjaro | Departure or Safari Extension
Breakfast at the hotel then wait to be picked by our representative for transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for departure flight home or further holiday destination.
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