Mount Kilimanjaro 7-Day Climbing Expedition By Rongai Route

The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route begins on the Northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro bordering Kenya. It is quite unpolluted, and using this route you will be rewarded with fantastic views and sometimes you will be the only climbers around. If you take this route up the mountain, you are obliged by park rules to descend via the Marangu Route on the South side of the mountain, therefore we descend to the South and our climbers see the mountain from many view points. The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route is accessible throughout the year.

DAY 1
– No walking.
– On your arrival to Kilimanjaro International Airport we meet you in the airport and do a private transfer to the Keys Hotel Moshi, so you can refresh, relax and sleep well before our adventure of Mt Kilimanjaro Climb by Rongai Route starts the next day.
– The pre-trek day is important to rest well and acclimatise— as well as to allow any delayed flights/baggage to catch up with the rest of the team!
– There will be time to explore Moshi town and to get to know your fellow trekkers in case you will be joining one of our groups.
– In the afternoon, an orientation session will be held by the tour provider – it will cover important health and safety items and confirm you have the appropriate insurance cover and equipment and are fit to start the climb.

DAY 2
– 3-4 hours walking
– The climb begins from NaleMoru (1,950m/ 6,397ft) on a small path which winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering a pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently, through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out at the edge of the moorland zone. Take in the expansive views over the Kenyan plains as you arrive at your first campsite at Rongai One (2,600m/8,530ft).

DAY 3
– 5-7 hours walking
– The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (3,400m/11,300 ft) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern Ice Fields on the crater rim.
– After lunch, you leave the main trail and head southeast across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi.
– Your campsite is in a sheltered valley, decorated with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3,600m/11,811ft).

DAY 4
– 3-4 hours walking
– A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. You leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m/14,107ft), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.
– In the afternoon you will be free to rest, although it’s a good idea to explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation.

DAY 5
– 5-6 hours walking
– You cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (4,700m/15,419ft) at the bottom of the crater wall. T
– The rest of the day is spent resting in preparation for an early morning final ascent.

DAY 6
– 6-7 hours walking towards the summit
– You start the final and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around 1:00 AM.
– You plod very slowly in the darkness on a zigzag trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5669m/18,559ft). This earns you a silver certificate!
– You rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi.
– Those who are still feeling strong can continue to make the three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. You’ve now made the gold run – well done!
– The descent to Kibo Hut (4,700m/15,419ft) is surprisingly fast and after some refreshments, you continue the descent to Horombo Huts (3,740m/12,270ft) using the Marangu Route.

DAY 7
– 4-5 hours walking
– After the customary tipping ceremony, a steady descent takes you down through moorland to Mandara Huts (2,712m/8,900 ft).
– You then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Marangu (1,828m/6,000ft), where you will have the opportunity to buy souvenirs and a ‘Just Done It!’ T-shirt.
– You will then be taken back to your accommodation in Moshi for a well-earned shower, rest and celebratory meal.
– There will also be an opportunity for a debrief and feedback with the tour provider, reflecting on your remarkable achievements!