9 Days of Trekking
The only route starting on the northern side of Kilimanjaro
Package Details
Rongai is the only route starting on the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Though this part of the Mountain is rarely visited by hikers, it is not less interesting than the popular southern and western slopes.
We recommend Rongai to all those who like reclusive hiking experiences.
Rongai is also the only route that passes by Mawenzi, one of the three volcanic cones of Kilimanjaro and the third highest peak in Africa. The way back lies through Marangu, and thus you will be able to see both sides of the mountain.
Itinerary
You will arrive latest 1pm to begin the expedition. Destination airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) where you will be greeted by our friendly ground staff and transferred for an overnight stay in Moshi in an exclusive setting. There will be a final gear inspection on arrival with the opportunity to procure any last minute items locally.
Breakfast at hotel then drive and register at Kilimanjaro National Park Gate and transfer (approximately two and a half hours) to the Rongai trailhead near the Kenya border. Begin hiking from the village of Nale Moru. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, then climbs gently through a forest sheltering a variety of wildlife, including the Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. Our campsite is on the edge of the moorland zone with expansive views of the Kenyan plains.
Altitude: 1 950m to 2 600m
Hiking time: 3-5 hours
Distance: 8Km
Difficulty: Low
Habitat: Rain Forest
Challenging ascent to the "Second Cave" where you will relax and have lunch with superb views of Kibo and the ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch proceed towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, where we camp in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves.
Altitude: 2600m to 3450m
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 10Km
Difficulty: Medium
Habitat: Rain Forest
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before we reach our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon relaxing and acclimatising.
Altitude: 3450m to 4335m
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 6Km
Difficulty: Medium
Habitat: Moorland
Active rest day to assist in acclimatization for successful summit – Group overview of the geological superlative: African Rift Valley volcanics and a short acclimatisation walk.
Altitude: 4335m
Hiking time: 0hours
Distance: 0Km
Difficulty: Nil
Habitat: Alpine desert
We trek across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Campsite. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent with an early night.
Altitude: 4335m to 4750m
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 9Km
Difficulty: High
Habitat: Arctic
A very early start (midnight) for the final challenge to reach Gilman’s Point (5 756m). We hike slowly on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree. Rest for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Continue slowly across to Uhuru Peak passing close to spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs in the summit area. After some summit celebrations and photo’s of your achievement we descend to Kibo. After a welcome break we then continue down the Marangu Route to Horombo Camp for a well-deserved rest. This is a long, yet highly rewarding day.
Altitude: 4750m to 5895m to 3720m
Hiking time: 12-14hours
Distance: 21Km
Difficulty: High
Habitat: Rain Forest
Descend steadily through the moorland, past Mandara Hut and through a lush rain forest to the Marangu Park Gate where transport will be waiting to drive you back to Moshi. Overnight and time for a well-deserved hot shower, dinner and enjoy summit celebrations.
Altitude: 3720m to 1900m
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 18Km
Difficulty: Medium
Habitat: Rain Forest
Depart from Tanzania - Expedition ends.