Rongai Route

Rongai Route is considered to be one of the easiest routes up the mountain. It is the only route starting from the Northern side of the mountain at a small village close to the Kenyan border. The climbing conditions are drier on the Northern side of the mountain. The summit is reached from the eastern side of Kibo and the descent is via the Marangu route. Overnights are spent camping in tents.

Day 1:  Rongai Gate – First Cave Campz

2,000m (6,560ft) – 2,650m (8,695ft)
You’ll have to get up early as it’s a long drive (4 – 5 hours) to Rongai Gate. First stop at Marangu Gate to complete the park register before you continue to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently, through a beautiful forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the intriguing Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorlands.
Overnight at First Cave Camp, Average hiking time: 4 hours

Day 2:  First Cave Camp – Kikelewa Caves

2,650m (8,695ft) – 3,600m (11,810ft)
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘second cave’ with superb views of Kibo and the eastern icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, leave the main trail and hike across the moorlands on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite -nestles in a valley with giant Senecios.
Overnight at Kikelewa Caves, Average hiking time: 7 hours

Day 3:  Kikelewa Caves – Mawenzi Tarn

3,600m (11,810ft) – 4,330m (14,206ft)
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb sweeping vistas and a tangible sense of wilderness. You’ll leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated on a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. You will have the afternoon free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation.
Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn, Average hiking time: 4 hours

Day 4:  Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut

4,330m (14,206ft) – 4,713m (15,463ft)
Cross the alpine desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night!
Overnight at Kibo Hut, Average hiking time: 5 hours

Day 5:  Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (SUMMIT!!)

4,713m (15,463ft) - 5,895m (19,341ft)

Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut

5,895m (19,341ft) – 3,719m (12,201ft)
We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding part of the climb around midnight. We hike very slowly in the darkness on a zigzag trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point with sunrise. Rest there for a short while to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Continue hiking on the crater rim towards the Uhuru Peak - SUMMIT!!!!! the highest peak in Africa. The descent to Kibo is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshments and rest, you’ll continue your descent on the Marangu route to reach Horombo.
Overnight at Horombo Hut, Average hiking time to the summit: 7 hours, Average descending time: 5 hours

Day 6:  Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate

3,719m (12,201ft) – 1,860m (6,102ft)
A steady descent takes you down through moorland to Mandara Hut where you will enjoy lunch. Continue descending through a lovely forest on a good path to the Marangu Gate. It is easier to go down than up.
Average hiking time: 6 hours

*Hiking times are estimated only, but have been calculated to give the hiker a comfortable pace throughout the hike.

WHY BOOK WITH EXPLORE PLUS?

We offer you:

• A detailed itinerary, including graphics and altitude estimations;
• Practical advice based on our personal experience of the routes;
• All quotes include enough time for acclimatisation, as it plays a vital part in ensuring a successful attempt;
• Emergency assistance. Our team is available around the clock during your climb to ensure that you have all the support you need, both in Tanzania and South-Africa;