The Rongai Route is the only trail ascending from the remote northern side of Kilimanjaro, starting close to the Kenyan border and rising high ‘Above the African Plains’, offering a fantastic sense of wilderness. Rongai lies in the rain shadow of the mountain, meaning your hike is less likely to be affected by adverse weather. From early in the trek Kibo, the summit cone, looms dramatically overhead. Our itinerary includes an acclimatisation day, since the topography on this side of Kilimanjaro does not lend itself to climbing high and sleeping low. Camp below the imposing jagged peak of Mawenzi and enjoy a relaxed morning before undertaking an acclimatisation hike. You cannot fail to be awe inspired as you cross the vast, open saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Physically the route is considered easier than some trails, until you reach the high camp where there is a marked increase in difficulty as you climb steeply to the crater rim. Scramble over Jamaica Rocks and pop out on the rim at Gilman’s Point. Descent is via the Marangu Route.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) you will be met and transferred to Moshi. Your Kilimanjaro head guide will come to the hotel for a full briefing, equipment checks and to help you hire anything additional you need.
Moshi to Rongai Gate (1,800m/5,900ft) to Simba Camp (2,600m/8,400ft)
Elevation Gain: 800m/2,500ft
This morning you will drive for approximately 2-3 hours to the Rongai Nalemoru Gate near the Kenyan border. After registering at the gate, begin your climb to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. During the first day, hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife, including black and white Colobus monkeys. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first campsite. Rongai ascends via the less forested northern side of the mountain and is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro.
Overnight: Simba Camp
Simba Camp (2,600m/8,400ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,800ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,000m/3,400ft
Day two of trekking takes you through Kilimanjaro's moorland. During this day, view Mawenzi Peak ahead. The morning is steep and here you may begin to feel the altitude. You can stop to rest and explore at the first cave. Lunch is often eaten close to the second cave. The afternoon is gentler as you contour across the moorland to camp in a sheltered valley at Kikelewa or the third cave. This is a long day with a trekking time of 6-7 hours.
Overnight: Kikelewa Camp
Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,800ft) to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m/14,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 730m/2,400ft
This day is an acclimatisation day, allowing you to hike in the morning and rest in the afternoon and evening. The hike is relatively short but steep, but you are rewarded with superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Mawenzi Tarn campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn
Acclimatisation Walk & Return to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Today you can have a lie in, as you will be staying at Mawenzi Tarn for a second night and therefore do not need to pack! The morning will be spent on an acclimatisation walk. Dependent upon how you are feeling this can be a steep walk up the scree slopes towards the peak of Mawenzi, or a gentler climb to the ridge or the lunar desert, visiting the eerie site of a plane crash. Return to Mawenzi Tarn for a hot lunch and afternoon of rest.
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn
Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Huts Camp (4,700m/15,400ft)
Elevation Gain: 370m/1,200ft
Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle between Kibo, the summit cone, and Mawenzi today, to arrive at the high camp. The crossing is exposed and can be very windy, but spectacular. Kibo Huts Camp is situated directly below the summit cone, giving spectacular views over the Kenyan plains and Mawenzi and upwards to the climb that lies ahead. After lunch and a full summit briefing, spend time resting in preparation for your summit attempt.
Overnight: Kibo Huts Camp
Kibo Huts (4,700m/15,400ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,195 m/3,940ft
Elevation Gain: 2,175m/7,140ft
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail consists mostly of steep switchbacks, with a rocky section known as Jamaica Rocks to scramble over as you approach the crater rim at Gilman's Point (5,756m). The hike from Gilman's to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude however makes the hike long and tiring. After summit celebrations you will descend to Kibo Huts. You will eat here before continuing your descent to Horombo Huts campsite. This will seem surprisingly fast. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Overnight: Horombo Huts
Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,830m/6,000ft) to Moshi
Elevation Loss: 1,890m/6,200ft
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. This trek will take approximately 5-6 hours. At the gate, you will be met and transferred back to Moshi.
Overnight: Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel (Premium)
Today you will be transferred back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in time for your flight.
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