Kilimanjaro-rongai route
THE RONGAI ROUTE
It's a 7 days route which is preferred due to its gradual ascent and unspoiled wilderness.
The Rongai Route is the only route that appraoches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. Rongai's ascent profile is very similar to that of Marangu. It is one of Kilimanjaro's easier routes. The climb to the top is gradual and steady. However, unlike Marangu, this route has low crowds and passes through remote wilderness areas. It is probably the only route where seeing wildlife in the first days is possible.
Rongai is slowly gaining in popularity. You get to view the North side of Kilimanjaro, sleep in tents and have a more gradual climb. Although it starts off with a long drive to the starting point, you will be rewarded by fantastic views and also by the likelihood that you will be the only climbers around on the way up. All your equipment and supplies are carried for you by a team of porters and a cook prepares all your meals.
Below is a sample itinerary for the 7 days Rongai route.
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS
Day 1:
After breakfast drive from hotel to start the climb starts through pine forest where the Colobus Monkey can be viewed. The walk will take 4 hours to reach Sekimba campsite with lunch break in between at the edge of forest. Overnight will be spent in tents at the first cave (2800m)
Day 2:
You start in morning walking through the Moorland heading for the 2nd cave (3300m) where you will take your lunch. After lunch you proceed to Kikelelwa cave for dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 3:
After breakfast, you continue towards the Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4330m), lunch will be taken on the way. From the Tarn Hut you will enjoy a magnificent view towards Kibo your final target. The night will be spent in tents.
Day 4:
After your last good rest before the summit ascend, you hike to School Hut (4750m) where you have dinner and rest in the hut.
Day 5:
After a short night and a hot drink, the final ascend starts at about 1:30 a.m. The path leads through gradually steeper getting screed to the Gilman's point (5685m) from where you can watch sunrise and the magnificent ice fields. After a short break, you then proceed along the crater rim to the Uhuru Peak (5895m) reaching there at about 9.00 a.m. After your summit photo, you then descend to Kibo Hut for lunch before dropping to Horombo Hut (3720m) where the night will be spent in tents.
Day 6:
The final leg, which takes about 6 hours, starts heading for Marangu gate (1800m). Here, you will be awarded your certificate before proceeding to Arusha / Moshi for a hot shower dinner and overnight.
Day 7:
Transfer to departure Kilimanjaro International Airport or by shuttle to Nairobi or your next safari destination.