It’s the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north near the Kenyan border. Unlike other Mt Kilimanjaro routes, Rongai offers more tranquil experience with high chances of spotting wildlife.
Rongai route has a more gradual slope which aids in acclimatization.
Here is a sample of a 6 days itinerary starting from Moshi town and back. The drive to the trailhead takes about 3 hours.
Highlights;
INCLUDE IN THE COSTS;
* Transport from Kilimanjaro Airport to your hotel.
* Transport from Moshi hotel to park gate and back.
* Paying of entrance fees and Government taxes
* 3 Star Moshi Hotel 2 nights before and after the trip unless stated otherwise
* Accommodation in quality mountain huts with mattresses.
* Vehicle rescue fees
* Support of porters, Cooks and Guiding services
* 3 meals a day whilst on the mountain.
* All camping tents, sleeping mats and equipment’s.
COST EXCLUDES;
* International/local flights.
* Health, Baggage and Travel Insurance
* Hiring of mountain hiking gears like; Sleeping bags, Hiking boots etc.
* Personal snacks.
* Tips for Guides, Cook and Porters
* Anything else not listed above.
Drive Time; 3hrs
Meal Plan; Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 2,000m/6,550ft to 2,640m/87,00ft
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 3-4hrs
Vegetation: Rain Forest
At around 0800hrs, be picked from your hotel and drive towards Rongai gate, check in the park and start walking through a thick rain forest which takes 3hours to Simba camp at 2,740m for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan; Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 2,700m/8,875m to 3,450m/11,300ft
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 3-4hrs
Vegetation: Alpine heather and moorland
After breakfast proceed walk slowly following a trek through the short bushes and rock with expansive view of the Kenyan side. On this day the views of kibo and Mawenzi peaks are visible at quite a distance.
Meal Plan; Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 3,450m/11,300t to 3,880m/12,200ft
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 2-3hrs
Vegetation: Alpine desert
After breakfast and packing, leave camp on an easy gradual ascent reaching camp in time for lunch.
Meal Plan; Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 3,880m/12,200ft to 4,750m/15,600ft
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 4-5hrs
Vegetation: Alpine desert
Right after breakfast and packing, leave the camp following the rocky trail but not steep crossing the barren sub-Alpine terrain of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Needed to relax on arrival as the next physically and mentally stage begins shortly that night.
Meal Plan; Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 4,600m/15,00ft to 5,985m/19,340tt
Ascent Distance: 6km
Descent Distance; 15km
Hiking Ascent Time: 7-8hrs
Hiking Descent Time to Kibo base camp; 4hrs
Vegetation: Bare rocks and snow
Wake up at around 2300 hours, have some tea and a snack getting ready to start this final ascent. With your head torches on, follow the zig zag trail up on scree stopping frequently to catch your breath in this thin air. This is the steepest and most demanding section of the climb, five hours to Gillmans point at 5,681m.
It is from this point you will be rewarded with a spectacular African Sunrise over the Mwawenzi peak. Then walk further 45 minutes around the crater and up to the highest point Uhuru peak (5,895m) the summit of Africa.
Enjoy here for some minutes taking photos and make your descent down to Kibo for breakfast and lunch. After relaxing continue with the descent to Horombo Hut for overnight.
Meal Plan; Breakfast
Elevation: 3,700m/12,200ft to 1,700m/5,500ft
Distance: 19km
Hiking Time: 6-7hrs
Vegetation: Rain forests
It is much easier day as we have luxury of walking downhill all the way but stay alert that the path may be slippery through the forest. Though I consider going down the hardest part as it challenges your knees so I highly recommend the use of hiking sticks.
After finishing you will be rewarded with certificates of achievement. Later board your waiting vehicle for transfer to your Hotel in Moshi town for a well-earned sleep.
END OF THE TRIP.
