6 days Rongai route hiking Kilimanjaro

6 Days, 5 Nights

About 6 days Rongai route hiking Kilimanjaro

Rongai route is the only route that approaches the mountain from the northern side near the Kenyan border. The route is still new and not very popular. It may be considered an easy route because of its gradual slope, it is recommended for those who wish for a more solemn climb and can be the best during rainy season as the north side receive less precipitation. The scenery in this route is not very popular but it offers spectacular view of the mountain. It passes through true wilderness area is almost its entire trail. Our rongai itinerary has a seven or six day’s option, with the seven days variation offering an extra day for acclimatization at mawenzi tarn. This is also the only route that has a real chance of spotting wildlife including colobus monkeys in the first few days of climbing.

Day 1: From Nalemuru Gate to Simba Camp

Elevation: 1387/915 m to 1950 m to 2750 m,

Distance: 9 km,

Hiking Time: 4 hours,

Habitat: Montana Forest You will have an early breakfast.

Transfer by our vehicles through many villages and coffee and plantations for 2–3-hour drive to Rongai gate (1,950 m/6,398 ft). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will start hiking on a wide path winding through fields of maize and potatoes, and then enter into Montana forest. You will then start to climb gently but consistently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin as you arrive at Simba Camp (2,600 m/8,530ft) with fantastic views over the Kenyan plains.

Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikilewa Camp

Elevation: 2750 m to 3600 m,

Distance: 17 km,

Hiking Time: 7 hours,

Habitat: Moorland

After an early breakfast you will have a steady ascent to the second camp where you will stop for lunch. You leave the direct trail at this point and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path toward Mawenzi side peak to Kikelewa Camp in a sheltered valley. At the Kikelewa Camp you will settle for your dinner and overnight rest.

Day 3: Kikilewa Camp to Mawenzi Turn Camp

Elevation: 3600m to 4330m, Distance: 7km,

Hiking Time: 4 hours,

Habitat: Semi-Desert After breakfast you will face a short,

steep climb up grassy slopes; rewarded by superb all-round views,

immersed in the vast surrounding wilderness. Soon after,

you leave the vegetation behind and arrive at the Mawenzi Tarn Camp, which is situated in a spectacular cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak. After this hike, you will reach to the Mawenzi turn hut camp where you will also see the amazing undried Lake with no inlet as well as outlet here you will have lunch and rest then dinner and overnight at this camp

Day 4: Mawenzi Turn Camp to School Camp

Elevation (ft): 4,330 – 4,695 ft

After breakfast we cross the lunar desert of the saddle in the midst of kibo peak and mawenzi peak to kibo huts at the bottom of kibo’s crater wall. Take as much rest as you can here, and preserve your body energy for summit.

Day 5: Uhuru Peak and descent to Horombo Camp

Elevation (ft): 4,695 – 5,895 ft

An early rise around midnight and begin our challenging hike to the highest peak in Africa. The path to Gilman’s point is steep, so the hike will be steady and we will have frequent short breaks. From Gilman’s point we keep traversing around the crater rim heading to uhuru peak. After arriving at the peak pictures will be taken and will descend to Horombo camp.

Day 6: Descent from Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate

Elevation (ft): 3,690-1,830 ft

Distance: 20 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast We will have a long descend trek to marangu gate where certificates will be offered and a car will be waiting to transfer us to Moshi.