Kilimanjaro - The Rongai Route

Climb Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route - the quietest route to the top of Africa's highest peak - One of the '7 Summits' - Rest day at lovely Mawenzi Tarn - Descent via the Marangu Route

Kilimanjaro's remote and relatively quiet Rongai Route is situated on the north side of Africa's highest mountain and starts close to the Tanzania / Kenya border. It is the longest and most scenic trekking route on Kilimanjaro, providing a gradual ascent through forest, farmland and open moor, with expansive views northwards to Amboseli. As an aid to acclimatisation, our easy-paced itinerary includes a rest day at the idyllic Mawenzi Tarn Camp, beneath dramatic rock spires. An early start on the last day of our ascent should enable us to reach the high point at Uhuru Peak (5894m / 19332ft) in time to see the summit snows illuminated by the golden light of sunrise. Kilimanjaro's prominence (it is one of the world's tallest free standing mountains) and its lack of technical difficulty, make it an obvious challenge for regular hikers. This exceptional adventure holiday offers the chance to climb Kilimanjaro by way of its finest route - Rongai.

Trip Guide:
Kilimanjaro is a big mountain and via the route that we have chosen to undertake involves around 4000 metres of ascent in just 5 days. Generally, there are excellent trails to follow, although on the upper part of the route we will have to negotiate some sections of loose scree. There will also be some snow and ice on the crater rim. The very long summit day on Kilimanjaro will provide a test for anyone, as much for the very long descent to the Horombo Camp as for the climb. This trip has been given the DEMANDING grade on account of the quite considerable height gain and because there are a couple of long trekking days.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1. Rendezvous at the group hotel in Marangu. Complimentary airport transfers are provided. KE group package services begin with the evening meal.

Day 2. Drive to the village of Rongai on the north side of Kili. Trek through farmland and forest to edge of moorland zone where we can enjoy views across the Kenyan plains. Camp (2600m. / 8530ft.).

Day 3. A longer day, gaining close to 1000m. / 3000ft. We trek to Kikelewa Caves. We stop for lunch at 'Second Cave' in sight of Kibo peak and the ice fields on the crater rim. Camp (3350m. / 10,990ft.).

Day 4. A shorter walk today, crossing grassy slopes with expansive views, to reach Mawenzi Tarn - spectacularly located beneath the rocky summits of Mawenzi Peak. Camp (4300m. / 14,108ft.).

Day 5. A rest and acclimatization day at the camp beside Mawenzi Tarn.

Day 6. Trek across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, to reach our overnight halt at the Kibo Hut directly beneath the Kibo crater wall. Camp (4750m. / 15,584ft.).

Day 7. A very early start to reach the crater rim at Gilman's Point, then traverse to Uhuru Peak (5894m. / 19,337ft.), Descent via the Marangu Route to Horombo. Camp (3720m. / 12,205ft.).

Day 8. Descend to the Marangu Gate. We will have time to clean up at our hotel before the complimentary transfer to the airport, where KE group package services end.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

1 night lodge, 6 nights camping