7-Days Trekking Rongai Route
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Overview
The Rongai route, situated on the northern slope of Mount Kilimanjaro, may be less popular, but it boasts several unique advantages. Beginning amidst a coniferous forest, it offers a diverse range of climatic zones as you ascend. The descent follows the Marangu route on the southwestern side of the mountain. Here’s why the Rongai route stands out as a top choice for climbing Kilimanjaro all the time:
Firstly, it’s significantly less crowded compared to the bustling southern routes. With only a fraction of the trekkers, you’ll enjoy a more serene experience on Rongai. Secondly, the route boasts breathtaking scenery, offering splendid views of Mawenzi and Kibo, two of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones, as well as the surrounding Tanzanian landscapes. You’ll also encounter unique flora like Kilimanjaro Giant Groundsels and tropical forests during the descent. While the northern slopes may be drier with less dense vegetation, there’s still plenty to marvel at along the way. Picture waking up near the majestic peak of Mawenzi, bathed in the gentle hues of sunrise, and spotting rare Bearded vultures gracefully soaring through the sky towards the distant horizon of Kenya. The Rongai route promises trekkers a more secluded and intimate experience, perfect for those seeking a quieter adventure on Kilimanjaro.
Schedule Details
Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you'll be greeted by a representative from Machokodo Tanzania Tours and transferred to your hotel. The hotel offers everything you need for a comfortable stay, including superb rooms, friendly staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. Later in the evening, our managers will hold a briefing to ensure you're well-prepared for the climb.
For private tour packages, shared airport transfers are included for your group, but extra charges may apply for individual transfers. To avoid additional costs, it's recommended to coordinate your group's arrival and departure times.
Day 2: Hiking from Nalemuru Gate to Simba Camp
A guide and mountain support team will meet you at your hotel in the morning for a brief meeting. Afterwards, you'll travel by vehicle to the northern entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, known as Nalemuru Gate (2,020 m /6,627 f). Once there, you'll complete the necessary formalities for climbing permits and search and rescue registration before beginning the trek to Simba Camp (2,671 m /8,761 f). The trek on this day will be moderate, taking you through a coniferous forest along Kilimanjaro's northern slope. It's important to maintain a comfortable pace and not rush. Upon reaching the camp, our experienced mountain crew will have everything ready, including pitched tents and dinner preparations underway.
Please note: This will be your first day at this altitude, so it's important to follow these instructions:
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine
- Drink at least 4 liters of bottled water daily, in small, frequent intervals
- Consider using high-altitude aid medicine to alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Our managers will provide more details along with your itinerary, but we recommend consulting your doctor beforehand regarding any allergies or health concerns.
At night, you may experience discomfort due to acclimatization to the high altitude. Reduced oxygen intake during sleep may lead to symptoms such as headaches. Pay attention to your body and inform your guide of any signs of altitude sickness.
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 8 kmDay 3: Trekking from Simba Camp to Kikilewa Camp
The day begins with an early breakfast, followed by leaving Simba Camp for the second high-altitude camp, Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m/11,906 f). If the weather is clear, you'll have a splendid view of Kibo Volcano from Kikilewa Camp. This trek is more physically challenging than the previous one, so it's advisable to take some rest upon reaching the camp.
Trekking time: 5-6 hoursDistance: 10 km
Day 4: Trekking from Kikilewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
This day begins with another early breakfast, followed by a trek to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located at the base of Mawenzi Volcano, Kilimanjaro's second-highest point. Upon arrival at the camp, you'll enjoy lunch and a two-hour rest. Later, there will be an acclimatization hike towards Mawenzi Volcano, with a slight increase in altitude of 200 meters (656 feet). Following the hike, you'll return to Mawenzi Tarn Camp for dinner in the evening.
The acclimatization hike is a gentle trek designed to aid in the acclimatization process. It's important to take these hikes seriously, as they improve your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and help prevent altitude sickness.
Trekking time: 4-5 hoursDistance: 6 kmDay 5: Trekking from Mawenzi Tarn Camp to School Hut Camp.
On this day, you'll trek towards School Hut Camp (4,800 m /15,744 f), where the landscape transforms into a rocky semi-desert. The trek itself isn't overly challenging, but it's important to maintain a suitable pace to conserve energy for the ascent to Kilimanjaro's summit. Upon reaching the camp, it's advisable to rest well, avoid strenuous activities, and stay hydrated. This is crucial as you'll be ascending Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,336 f) later that same night.
Trekking time:5-6 hoursDistance: 9 kmDay 6: Trekking to Uhuru Peak followed by descent to Horombo Camp.
You'll set off from School Hut Camp (4,800 m/15,744 f) at night towards Kilimanjaro's summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,336 f). While technically not difficult, the trek at this high altitude can be physically demanding. For the final summit push, climbers are paired and accompanied by a personal guide who closely monitors their well-being. After successfully reaching Uhuru Peak, you can opt to descend to the nearest glacier. Then, you'll return to Kibo Camp for a two-hour rest before continuing your descent to Horombo Camp (3,720 m/12,202 f).
It's important to note that 90% of accidents occur during the descent, including most injuries such as broken arms and legs. Take care to pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.
Trekking time: 12–14 hoursDistance: 21 kmDay 7: Descending from Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate.
In the morning, you'll enjoy a warm breakfast before heading towards the exit of Kilimanjaro National Park: Marangu Gate (1,970 m /6,462 f). After descending, the entire group will gather to congratulate you, and you'll have the opportunity to share your thoughts on the journey in the guestbook. Finally, you'll receive your commemorative certificates and be transferred back to your hotel.
Trekking time: 5-6 hoursDistance: 18 kmDay 8: Departure
Relax at the hotel and then later transfer to the airport.
Please note: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. If you have an evening flight and require a late check-out, you can extend your stay at the hotel for an additional fee.
