Safari to Rongai Route 7 Days/ 6 Nights

Review Safari to Rongai Route 7 Days/ 6 Nights

The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north near the Kenyan border. This route has low crowds and passes through remote wilderness areas. For this reason, expect to see wildlife during the trek in other words this Route offers a true clear wilderness experience most especially on the early stages of the climb. After passing through the rainforest, you will ascend through moorlands and then up into the high Alpine zones before reaching the glacial zone. The trekking distance for the Rongai Route is about 79km. the shortest number of days required for Rongai Route is 7 days but by the time you have included the arrival and departure days, it is 9 or 10 days.

Despite of the fact it is considered the easiest route on the mountain. This safari Itinerary describes the 7 days/6 night Kilimanjaro climb via Rongai route

Day by day itinerary

Day 1: Nale Muru-Simba Camp

The adventure beings with a drive through the nearby villages and coffee plantations to the remarkable wooden village of Nale Moru on the North eastern side of the mountain. With this expect to meet the porters. The first part of the trail leads through moist rainforest which quickly becomes lighter on the dry north side. Soon you will reach the heather zone. Your Overnight stay is at the Simba Camp in the tent at about 9,300 ft altitude. Samba Camp is located close to First Cave with a magnificent view out over the plains of Kenya. Hiking takes 4-5 hours

Day 2: Simba Camp – Second Cave

Here, Hiking starts in the morning with a steady climb up to the second cave. The route takes in a long stretch of heath, distinguished by heather, wild flowers and stony paths. As you walk, you can enjoy the view of Kibo and the east-facing glaciers on the crater rim. After your lunch, you will leave the main trail and continue along a narrower path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. You will finally reach ‘Second Cave’ which is located in a sheltered valley close to kikelewa caves and surrounded by giant senecio plants. Hiking takes 3-4 hours. Overnight stay is at Altitude 11,300.ft

Day 3: second Cave – Third Cave

This day has been set aside for acclimatization to improve your chances of reaching the summit and reduce the risk of your suffering the effects of altitude sickness. Spend the morning relaxing and simply enjoying the surroundings. During lunch time, leave the camp and make your way across the heath following a narrow path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi and Third Cave. Hiking takes 3-4 hours. Your Overnight stay is at Altitude 11,811ft

Day4: Third cave-Mawenzi Tarn Hut

This start takes you to Mawenzi Tarn Hut. Following a steep climb up on a grass mountain side, you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of nature. The heathland gives way to rocky highlands involved with large and small volcanic boulders that testify to a previous period of volcanic activity. After spending some hours on the trail, you will reach the site of your overnight stay accommodation which enjoys a spectacular location nestling in a valley between the towering spires of Mawenzi. Hiking takes 4-5 hours in Altitude 14,160ft. Overnight in Altitude, 14,160

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut-Kibo Huts

You will now find yourself walking through the almost lunar landscape that is known as The Saddle and links Mawenzi and kibo. On arrival at Kibo Huts located at the foot of the Kibo crater wall, it is time to make ready your equipments and warm garments for the next day’s trek to the peak. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and go to bed. Here hiking takes 6-8 hours. Overnight Altitude; 15430’

Day 6: Kibo Huts –Gilman’s Point-Uhuru Peak-Horombo Huts

You will wakeup in the mid of the night, have a little meal before you set off into the night. Most people find the tricky terrain where the trail is littered with loose stones to be the most challenging part of the ascent. The objective is to reach Gilman’s point at dawn so you can make it to Uhuru Peak-the highest point on Kibo shortly after sunrise. You will stop briefly at Gilman’s Point to enjoy the magnificent view before continuing along the rim of the crater to Uhuru. Start off the descent to Kibo Huts. Here you will stop to enjoy your lunch before continuing on to Horombo Huts for a night sleep. Hiking takes 4-5 hours. Overnight stay in Altitude, 12,205ft

Day 7: Horombo Huts-Marangu Gate-Arusha

We make the final descent through the rain forest to Marangu Gate. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Drive back to Arusha for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner. Hiking takes 5-7 hours. Overnight stay in Altitude of 1,843ft