7 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Trekking

Experience the awe-inspiring journey to summit Mount Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route with MJ Tours and Safaris. Located on the northeastern side of the mountain, the Rongai Route offers a distinct and captivating trekking experience, known for its serene wilderness and unique perspectives of Kilimanjaro.

The Rongai Route captivates trekkers with its tranquil surroundings, characterized by vast moorlands, dense forests, and sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes. Unlike the more crowded routes, such as the Machame or Marangu, the Rongai Route provides a sense of seclusion and tranquility, allowing climbers to immerse themselves fully in the natural beauty of Kilimanjaro.

One of the notable features of the Rongai Route is its gradual ascent, which promotes effective acclimatization and enhances the overall trekking experience. With a moderate pace and gentle slopes, climbers have ample time to adjust to the altitude, reducing the risk of altitude-related ailments and maximizing their chances of reaching the summit, Uhuru Peak.

For those seeking a unique adventure, the Rongai Route offers the opportunity to witness Kilimanjaro’s diverse wildlife, including sightings of indigenous species such as colobus monkeys and various bird species. This adds an extra layer of excitement and discovery to the trek, making it an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.

At MJ Tours and Safaris, we specialize in delivering exceptional Kilimanjaro expeditions tailored to our clients’ preferences. Our experienced guides are dedicated to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our climbers throughout their journey along the Rongai Route. With their expertise and support, you can embark on this extraordinary adventure with confidence and peace of mind.

With comfortable accommodations, delicious meals prepared by our skilled chefs, and customizable itineraries to suit your needs, MJ Tours and Safaris provides everything you need for a successful Rongai Route expedition. Experience the beauty and serenity of Kilimanjaro’s northeastern slopes as you journey towards the summit with MJ Tours and Safaris by your side.

Moshi Arrival

To make your trip as easy as possible, we can offer accommodation in Moshi before and after the Mount Kilimanjaro climb. Or if you’d prefer, you can stay at a hostel/hotel of your choice. We can also offer airport transfers to and from if required.A pre- Mount Kilimanjaro climb briefing will be arranged with one of our mountain guides to ensure that you have all the correct mountain climbing gear. We’ll also talk you through what will be expected during the climb and share all our best secrets for conquering the highest point of Africa "Uhuru Peak"

Day 1: Rongai Gate (1,900m/5,900ft) to First Cave Camp (2,600m/ 8,400ft)

Elevation Gain: 800 metres/ 2,500 feet
Hiking time: Approximately 5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, you’ll get picked up from your hostel/hotel and driven to the starting point at Marangu Gate (which is approximately one hour from Moshi). After registration, we will then take a short transfer to Rongai Gate where you will begin ascending the mountain. The path winds through maize and potato fields and then gently climbs through rainforest habitat which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Black and White Colobus Monkey. The Rongai Route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro and is thought to have the best chance of viewing wildlife.

Day 2: First Cave Camp (2,600m/ 8,400ft) to Kikelewa Cave (3,600m/11,800 ft)

Elevation Gain: 1,000 metres / 3,400 feet
Hiking time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours
Habitat: Moorland

You will begin the second day with a steady incline up to Second Cave where you will stop for lunch. From here you will continue on through the moorland zone towards to Mawenzi Peak, giving you a great chance to take in the breath-taking views of the mountain along the way. If the skies are clear, you should be able to get some fantastic shots of Kibo Peak. The afternoon is gentler as you continue across the moorland to camp in a sheltered valley at Kikelewa or the third cave.

Day 3: Kikelewa Cave (3,600m/11,800ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m/14,200ft)

Elevation Gain: 730 metres / 2,400 feet
Hiking time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

Today’s hike is short but steep along a grassy trail. Continuing to trek at a slow pace through the moorland heath, you will begin to notice a change in the scenery as you enter the alpine desert zone. After a few hours of hiking, you will reach Mawenzi Tarn Hut which sits right beneath the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the surroundings before a hearty dinner and overnight rest.

Day 4: Acclimatisation Walk

Today you can have a lie in, as you will be staying at Mawenzi Tarn Hut for a second night and spend the day on an acclimatisation walk. Depending on how you are feeling after yesterday’s climb, you can either take a steep walk up the scree slopes towards the peak of Mawenzi, or enjoy a gentler climb to the ridge or the lunar desert visiting the site of a plane crash on the way. Return to Mawenzi Tarn for a hot lunch and afternoon of rest.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Huts (4,700m/ 15,400ft)

Elevation Gain: 370 metres / 1,200 feet
Hiking time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

After a full breakfast, you will then cross the lunar-like landscape between the Mawenzi and Kibo saddle. From here you will start to get fantastic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit before arriving at Kibo Hut. Upon arriving you will start to prepare for your final ascent – THE SUMMIT – which you will begin around midnight!

Day 6: SUMMIT DAY! - Kibo Huts (4,700m/ 15,400ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/ 19,340ft) to Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft)

Elevation Gain: 1,195 metres / 3,940 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,175 metres / 7,140 feet
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours to Uhuru Peak; 7 to 8 hours to Horombo Huts
Habitat: Arctic conditions

This is where the going gets really tough! Just before midnight, you will venture into the night and begin your final ascent to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. Head northwest through the heavy stone scree following multiple switchbacks until you reach Hans Meyer Cave (5,258m) and then Gillman’s Point (5,719m). This section is probably the most challenging part of the route, and will require great physical and mental effort. Continue to move slowly, always listening to your guide. After a short rest at Gillman’s Point, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour before reaching your ultimate goal – Uhuru Peak! Congratulations! You have now made it to the “Roof of Africa”. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend there, but it is important to start your descent within good time to ensure you get enough rest back at Kibo Huts. After your rest, you’ll gather the rest of your belongings and descend to Horombo Huts where you’ll enjoy dinner and a well-earned sleep!

Day 7: Horombo Huts (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)

Elevation Loss: 1,890 metres / 6,200 feet
Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

After eating breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via a scenic path through the forest to Marangu Gate. Successful hikers who made it to Gillman’s Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the gate. Then it’s time to drive back to your hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner and celebrations with a Kilimanjaro beer!

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