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Rongai route ascends Mount Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. The rongai route retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness.
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. Rongai route is truly one of the more remote and wild trails on the entire mountain. Despite that however, this route offers trekkers plenty of advantages, making it a very appealing option for those looking for a unique experience on Africa’s tallest peak.
Due to its remote nature, the Rongai Route is among the least visited of all of the trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. Those who choose this path will experience peace and quiet for much of the trek, encountering few other climbers prior to reaching the Kibo Camp, at which point the trail merges with the Marangu Route for the final push to the summit. Before that happens however, travelers will often have the path completely to themselves for hours or even days at a time, making this a good choice for those looking for solitude in a unique wilderness setting.
Rongai route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro with a slow, steady climb, giving hikers a chance to acclimatize at a steady rate. This not only makes it one of the easier routes up the mountain, it also increases the success rate substantially. There are few major obstacles to overcome along this trail and the final day before summit day is a short one, giving trekkers a chance to rest, recuperate, and prepare for their climb to the top of Uhuru Peak.
Because the Rongai Route starts on the north side of the mountain, not far from the border with Kenya, it is also the driest route on Kilimanjaro as well. This makes it a good choice for a trek all year round, but especially during the rainy season in April and May. Most of the rain storms tend to stay on the southern side of the mountain, allowing Rongai hikers to stay drier and warmer than those on some of the other, more popular, trails.
Other advantages of choosing the Rongai Route include the potential to spot wildlife, including Colobus Monkeys, in the first few days of the climb. The campsites are also nicely staggered out across the route, ensuring that hikers spend a similar amount of time on the trail each day. And since the trail goes up the north side and down the south side, travelers get a sense of what Kilimanjaro looks like from different perspectives.
If there is one criticism of the Rongai Route it is that it may not be as scenic as some of the other routes up Mt. Kilimanjaro. While it is true that the scenery isn’t as varied and dramatic as some of the other trails, there is still plenty to see and enjoy on this path too. And because you’ll encounter so few people, you’ll have an easier time soaking it all in.
Climbing Kilimanjaro offers Rongai as a 7 day climb or a 6 or 7 private climb. The six-day variation does not have an acclimatization day on day four at Mawenzi Tarn.
The adventure beings with the drive through villages and
coffee plantations to the remarkable wooden village of Nale Moru. On the
northeast side of the mountain where you meet the porters. The first part
of the trail leads through moist rainforest, which quickly becomes lighter on
the dry north side. Soon you will reach the heather zone. Overnight
in the First Cave Camp (Simba Camp) in the tent at about 9,300 ft altitude.
Simba Camp is located close to First Cave, with a magnificent view out over the
plains of Kenya.
Hiking: 4-5 Hours Overnight Altitude: ~9,300
Today’s stage begins in the morning with a steady climb
up to Second Cave. The route takes in a long stretch of heath, distinguished by
heather, wild flowers and stony paths. As you walk, you can enjoy the view of
Kibo and the east-facing glaciers on the crater rim. After lunch you will leave
the main trail and continue along a narrower path towards the jagged peaks of
Mawenzi. You will finally reach ‘Second Cave’, which is located in a sheltered
valley close to Kikelewa Caves and surrounded by giant senecio plants.
Hiking: 3-4 Hours Overnight Altitude: ~11,300'
This day has been set aside for acclimatization, to
improve your chances of reaching the summit, and reduce the risk of your
suffering the effects of altitude sickness. Spend the morning relaxing and
simply enjoying the surroundings. Around lunchtime, it is time to leave the
camp and make your way across the heath, following a narrow path towards the
jagged peaks of Mawenzi and Third Cave.
Hiking: 3-4 Hours Overnight Altitude: ~11,811
Today’s stage takes you to Mawenzi Tarn Hut. Following a
short but steep climb up grassy mountainside, you can enjoy a fantastic
panoramic view as your reward. The heathland gives way to rocky highlands,
littered with large and small volcanic boulders that testify to a previous
period of volcanic activity. After a couple more hours on the trail, you will
reach the site of your overnight accommodation, which enjoys a spectacular
location, nestling in a valley between the towering spires of Mawenzi.
Hiking: 4-5 Hours Overnight Altitude: ~14,160
You will now find yourself walking through the almost
lunar landscape that is known as ‘The Saddle’ and links Mawenzi and Kibo. On
arrival at Kibo Huts, located at the foot of the Kibo crater wall, it is time
to ready your equipment and warm clothes for the next day’s trek to the peak.
Make sure to store your drinking water in a Thermos to prevent it freezing
solid. Then spend the rest of the day relaxing and go to bed early to ensure
your ‘human batteries’ are fully charged for Kilimanjaro’s ultimate challenge.
Hiking: 6-8 Hours Overnight Altitude: ~15,430
You will be woken up around midnight, and there is just time for a light meal before you set off into the night. Most people find the tricky terrain, where the trail is littered with loose stones, to be the most challenging part of the ascent. The objective is to reach Gilman’s Point at dawn, so you can make it to Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Kibo – shortly after sunrise. You will stop briefly at Gilman’s Point to enjoy the magnificent view before continuing along the rim of the crater to Uhuru. The last stretch of the climb features an even incline.
Depending on the season, you may encounter snow on the last part of the route to Uhuru Peak, which is your final goal: the top of Kilimanjaro and the highest point in Africa. Once you reach the peak at an altitude of 5,895 masl, you can give yourself a pat on the back, enjoy the magnificent view and have your picture taken in front of the Uhuru Peak sign as a lasting souvenir of your achievement.
It is then time to start the descent to Kibo Huts, which
you will find passes remarkably quickly. At Kibo Huts, you will stop to enjoy a
well-deserved lunch before continuing on to Horombo Huts, where a much-needed
night’s sleep awaits.
Hiking: 4-5 Hours Overnight Altitude: ~12,205
We make the final descent through the rain forest to
Marangu Gate. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew
before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Drive back to Arusha for a hot
shower and a celebratory dinner.
Hiking: 5-7 Hours Overnight Altitude: ~1,843
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