Rongai route begins in the northern side of Kilimanjaro Mountain, 45km from Moshi town or 69km from Arusha. Rongai is stated to be one of the most beautiful routes that start from the Northern side, in comparison to others this is the easiest route and its popularity has been increasing tremendously over the years. The route hosts a variety of spectacular landscapes together with different plants and animal’s species which make it one of the best sought after route of the Northern side. The typical duration for this trip is 6 days. But mostly the hikers prefer to take one day more, i.e., the 7 days to make the success rate higher. Rongai is scenically more beautiful than that of Marangu, and the difference is that when Marangu offers the hut facilities, the Rongai offers the tents to rest and make the overnight stay. At the end of each day you would find your tents pitched by the porters.
You will have breakfast before all the gear is loaded. It is a long drive, about four hours (including a stop to get permits at Marangu gate) to the north side of Kilimanjaro. After registration at Nalemoru gate, the hike begins. You will walk pass small farms, pine trees and the up into the forest on the mountain slopes. You might be lucky to see the colobus monkeys with extravagant black and white tails. The porters will go in front to set up camp while you will hike at a moderate pace to reach the Simba campsite (2 625m) in about four hours. The tents and some warm washing water will be ready. A warm supper will be served.
After some hot porridge and eggs you will set off on today’s section. Vegetation is changing and you see more shrubs as you walk through the moorland zone. Watching the Kenyan plains and Mawenzi peak would be fabulous. On the stop at second cave (450m.) you will have your lunch before crossing over some ups and downs to reach Kikelewa Camp. The camp has great views. Relax and breathe in the tranquility of the mountain.
Today you will not see the weird-looking senecias as the landscape change to resemble a rocky moon landscape. If there are no clouds, you will see the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. After about six hours of work you should reach Mawenzi Hut. A small lake nearby freezes over at night so expect the night to be very cold. Fear not, a hot supper waits.
On a good firm path, you will cross the Saddle today. You will feel the altitude and might experience symptoms of altitude sickness headache and nausea. Takes lots of fluid and keep going very slowly. You will hear your guide say pole pole means slowly slowly. One last tough section and you will be there. You will camp at School Hut tonight, but not before some dinner and hot chocolate. Get your daypack ready and go to bed early as you will be woken up at around 00:00 to start the final stretch to the summit.
Rise and shine! It will be dark and very cold when you enter the darkness on the way to the top. A row of headlights in front of you will show the way. Take it slow and listen to your guide. The ground will be frozen and you will get very tired, but keep going. After about seven hours you will be standing on the crater’s rim – Gillman’s Point (5 715 m). Warming up in the sun, it is just an hour or two to reach Uhuru peak at 5 895m. You will be standing on the highest mountain in Africa! The return path is almost the same, but now the ground is defrosted and it will be dusty. It will be late morning when you arrive at School Hut. Here you will rest for an hour and have a hot meal. Onwards! The descent continues to Horombo Hut where you will rest for the night.
Today is the last day on the mountain. The descent to Marangu Gate will take about six hours. Here, the crew will say farewell and the transfer driver will be waiting and transfer to the Hotel. The rest of the day you will relax and to reflect back on this once in a lifetime experience.
Yes ! This tour is suitable for everyone. You can book this tour as a solo traveler or as a couple. We also offer this tour for small and large groups who are willing to travel together. Do not hesitate to contact us and our specialist will be happy to help you plan your vacation in Africa.
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Wild and Nature Safaris is a Tanzanian-owned safari company created from our love for adventure, nature, and our beautiful country. We are based in East Africa and we offer unforgettable safaris to Tanzania’s top destinations — including the famous Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.
