6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Rongai Route

Safari Overview

The Rongai route is one of the best routes to make the attempt on Kilimanjaro during the rainy season, as it sees substantially less rain than the southern routes. The North-East side of the mountain gets significantly less moisture than the southern slopes which means that trekkers are less likely to encounter rain. Trekkers are also more likely to get clear, unclouded views of the mountain.

Starting from the Rongai gate, the route traverses several diverse climate zones, and each produces its own amazing views and experiences. Throughout the early trek, Kilimanjaro looms overhead dramatically and at higher altitudes you are rewarded with incredible sights finally ending with the 360 degree view from the top of Uhuru Peak.

The Rongai route is considered to be one of the easier routes up Kilimanjaro. The climb is both gradual and steady. However, the Rongai Route does not have a great ‘walk high, sleep low’ profile which makes it arguably more difficult than the Machame or Lemosho routes in terms of acclimatisation.

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    Day 1: Arusha (1,400 m) – Rongai Gate (1950 m) – 1st Caves camp (2,600 m)

    The starting point of your Kilimanjaro trekking Rongai Route is at Park Gate of Marangu, then you will have a transport to the Rongai trail ahead (1,950 m). Normally, the transport is of about 3 hours to the Rongai gate. The path is ending at the 1st Cave camp (2,600 m) and it gradual allows you to enjoy the surroundings. At the camp you will get hot water to wash then changing clothes you have been trekking with, stay warm. Overnight at 1st Caves Camp (2,600 m).

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    Day 2: 1st Caves Camp (2,600 m) – Kikelelwa Cave (3,600 m)

    From the 1st Caves Camp start your day with a light breakfast, then you will arrive at the moorland vegetation type enclosed in heather. This trail will lead you towards the second Cave Camp (3,450 m), the place where you will have lunch. After lunch and some rest you carry on up to the third Cave Campsite (3, 600 m), (Kikelelwa Cave) the alternative name. 6 Days trekking is the best as it gives enough time for acclimatization. The camp is surrounded by a bunch of small caves in a valley a bit below saddle. Overnight at Kikelelwa Cave also known as the 3rd Cave (3,600 m).

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    Day 3: Kikelelwa Cave (3,600 m) – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4,330 m)

    Light breakfast before starting your 3rd day at Kikelelwa cave. Start your hiking day on an easy and moderate slope, you will notice changes on landscape and the pass now is becoming steeper and soon you will reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp at the altitude of 4,330 m. This is a very remarkable campsite as it is in a hollow beneath the sharp peak of Mawenzi which is close to a small lake. Arriving at the camp same procedures will follow as previous days, soon hot lunch will be served followed by some relaxing hours. You can use this afternoon for resting and exploring the areas around the campsite.mEnjoy the magnificent sunset. Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330 m).

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    Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m)

    After a light breakfast you will start your today’s program by hiking over a small ridge before having an easy walk on a nice path that is on the northern part of the saddle. At this juncture Rongai route will adjoin Marangu route when reaching the saddle in-between Mawenzi and Kibo. The pass to the summit at this point is as the same as from Marangu route. The final part of today’s hike that leads to Kibo hut is steeper. Reach Kibo hut at 47,00 m during lunch time. Hot water to wash & other procedures will follow. Overnight at Kibo Hut (4,700 m).

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    Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,700 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (3,720 m)

    Wake up time will be at around 23:00 to 23:30. Have some biscuit and tea before you start, you will first hike through a very rough path with rocky passing Williams Point at an altitude of 5,000 m, Hans Meyer Cave at 5,150 m and Gillman’s Point at an altitude of 5,681 m situated on the crater rim. To reach Hans Mayer Cave from Kibo hut you will need almost two and a half hours. The remaining of the climbing is normally covered with snow and a walking is along the rim of the crater all the way to Uhuru Peak. On the way to Uhuru Peak you will pass Stella Point stands at an altitude of 5,752 m; this point is where the other routes reach the rim. Descent back to Kibo hut 4,700 where your lunch is to be served. From Kibo hut you need about 3 hours to reach Horombo hut 3,720 m. Arriving at the camp in the afternoon, Overnight at Horombo Camp in luxurious beds.

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    Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) – Marangu gate (1,980 m)

    After heavy breakfast at Horombo hut you are last day at Kilimanjaro will then start. Passing Mandara hut at an altitude of 2,700 on your way down to Marangu gate, here you will have a short break for lunch then proceed down to Marangu gate at (1,980 m). At Marangu gate you will sign some of your details into a register book and you will be provided with a summit certificate, a green color certificate is for those who reached Gillman’s Point and a gold certificate (Big Diploma) for Uhuru Peak.  Afterwards  your driver will have already arrived and waiting to take you back to your hotel in Arusha / Moshi or drop of at the airport.

Included in the Safari Cost
  • Arrival & Departure airport transfers complementary to all our clients.
  • Transportation as per itinerary.
  • Accommodation per itinerary or similar with a request to all our clients.
  • Meals as per itinerary B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner.
  • Services literate English driver/guide.
  • National park & game reserve entrance fees as per itinerary.
  • Excursions & activities as per itinerary with a request
  • Recommended Mineral Water while on safari.
Excluded in the Safari Cost
  • Visas and related costs.
  • Personal Taxes.
  • Drinks, tips, laundry, telephone calls and other items of a personal nature.
  • International flights.
  • Optional excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary like Balloon safari, Masai Village.
For more information:

Please contact us on email info@morningstarsafaris.com or phone +254 742 143 599

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