Rongai Route
DURATION
6-9 days (avg. 6)
MAXIMUM HIKERS
15
TREK OVERVIEW
Day 1 — Rongai Start Point (1,950 meters) to Rongai First Cave (2,620 meters)
Day 2 — Rongai Cave (2,620 meters) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters)
Day 3 — Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters) to Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 meters)
Day 4 — Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 meters) to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters)
Day 5 — Kibo Hut (4,700 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and then Horombo Hut (3,720 meters)
Day 6 — Horombo Hut (3,720 meters) to Marangu Gate (1,870 meters)
ITINERARY
Rongai Start Point (1,950 Meters) → Rongai First Cave (2,620 Meters)
On day one Rongai Route trekkers are driven to Marangu Gate for registration before being shuttled a further 70 kilometers on poor roads to the Rongai Start Point at 1,950 meters. The trek begins from Nale Moru village and follows a gradual and winding trail that first crosses maize fields before entering the rainforest. The first day’s hiking is easy going and you will arrive at Rongai First Cave (2,620 meters) around mid-afternoon, where you can freshen up and have dinner.
Rongai Cave (2,620 Meters) → Kikelewa Camp (3,600 Meters)
On day two the hike continues from Rongai First Cave through the rainforest before transitioning into the low alpine moorland zone where you will notice the vegetation change to shrubs and grasses. You will stop for lunch at Rongai Second Cave (3,450 meters), 6km from the First Cave Camp, before turning east to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters) for your overnight stay.
Kikelewa Camp (3,600 Meters) → Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 Meters)
Day three on the Rongai Route is a short, but steep climb from Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 meters) which sits in the shadow of the magnificent Mawenzi Peak. You will arrive at Mawenzi Tarn in time for lunch and then have the whole afternoon to explore the surrounding area and acclimatize.
Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 Meters) → Kibo Hut (4,700 Meters)
Day four is a long but gradual hike from Mawenzi Tarn heading west through the Saddle which is formed between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi, and up to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters). The route is dry, barren and rather inhospitable, but provides spectacular views of Kibo. At Kibo Hut you will get served dinner and will go to bed early as you will be awoken around 23:30 to begin your summit attempt. Trekkers should remember to prepare their gear, including headlamp, camera, insulated water and warm weather clothes before they go to sleep.
Note: Seven/ Eight day trekkers hike from Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut and back on day four. They then trek to Kibo Hut again on day five before continuing to Uhuru peak on day six / seven.
Kibo Hut (4,700 Meters) → Uhuru Peak (5,895 Meters) → Horombo Hut (3,720 Meters)
Day five begins at midnight, after being awoken with tea and biscuits you will begin your ascent in the dark across a rocky path to the first check point, Hans Meyer Cave at 5,150 meters. You should have a break here and refuel on an energy bar. The path then zigzags and increases in steepness as you approach Gilman’s Point 2-3 hours later at 5,681 meters. You are now on Kibo’s crater rim, a huge achievement! But you still have a 200 meter ascent to trek to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters). Dig deep to find the reserves and mental stamina to push yourself up the final slopes. At Uhuru Peak you will be able to stay briefly before descending back to Kibo Hut and on to Horombo Hut. In total you will be trekking upwards of 12-16 hours. It will be a long day but well worth it!
Horombo Hut (3,720 Meters) → Marangu Gate (1,870 Meters)
The final day from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,870 meters) is a long one, nearly 20km! Your knees will be sore from the previous days hike so go slowly and make sure of your footing as you descend, using your trekking poles to limit the impact on your joints. At Marangu Gate, the place where you signed in 6 days ago, you will now sign-out. Those who got as far as Gilman’s Point but no further will be presented with a green certificate. Trekkers who made it all the way to Uhuru Peak will receive a gold certificate. Most trekkers present their trekking team with their hard earned tips at this stage before being driven back to your hotel for a well-deserved hot shower!
LEMOSHO ROUTE — ALTITUDE AND DISTANCE PROFILE
CLIMB PRICES
TALK TO OUR KILI EXPERT
If you want to know more about the mountain and what to expect, then you’ve found the right person to talk too.
It’s fair to say that I’m a little obsessed with mountains. I’ve trekked through the majestic Sierra Nevada and basked under the behemoths of the Himalayas, but journeying up Mount Kilimanjaro will always hold a special place in my heart. Let me help you plan out your epic adventure.
E-mail me anytime with your questions. On average I respond within 6 hours during business hours and the next day during off business hours. Privately guided trips allow you to be in control of all the details of your trip – departure times, accommodations, extra nights, extra activities, extra experiences – what you want and how you want it.
CODY NGUYEN
Director of Operations
Phone
619-800-1808
cody@jambotreks.com
