Rongai Route
Kili Wild Expedition will take you there…..(Mountain Tops)
7 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE:
HIGHLIGHTS
- Rongai is the only route starting on the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Though this part of the Mountain is rarely visited by hikers, it is not less interesting than the popular southern and western slopes. We recommend Rongai to all those who like reclusive hiking experiences.
- Getting to the trailhead – Nalemuru Gate – usually takes 3-4 hours from Moshi town
- Rongai is also the only route that passes by Mawenzi, one of the three volcanic cones of Kilimanjaro and the third highest peak in Africa. The way back lies through Marangu, and thus you will be able to see both sides of the mountain.
- Though six and seven-day programs are available, a longer option is recommended for better acclimatization transition.
Day1: Nalemuru Gate to Simba Camp
Elevation (m): 1800m to 2600m,
Distance: 7km, Time: 3-4hours,
Habitat: Montane Forest
After an early breakfast in Moshi, you will drive to Marangu National park gate for necessary registration formalities, then we transfer to rongai (Nalemoru) Gate (1,800m/5,900ft) near the Kenya border. We begin our climb on this unspoilt wilderness route. The walk then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. The first day is only a half-day walk. Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp is 3-4 hours walking.
Day2: Simba Camp to Rongai Second Cave
Elevation (m): 2600m to 3450m,
Distance: 9km, Time: 5-6hours,
Habitat: Moorland
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave, (3,450m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After hot lunch we have a free time to rest at the camp or in the afternoon we can explore the surrounding area for acclimatisation walk to Third Cave. Simba Camp to Second Cave is 3-4 hours walking.
Day3: Second Camp to Kikelelwa Camp
Elevation (m): 3450 to 3600m,
Distance: 11km, Time: 5-6hours,
Habitat: Moorland
Gradual rise through beautiful open moorland towards jagged pinnacles of Mawenzi to Kikelewa Camp (3679m) we reach in late afternoon at Kikelewa Caves for dinner and overnight at the camp. Second Cave to Kikelelwa Camp is 3-4 hours walking.
Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Turn
Elevation (m): 3600 to 4330m,
Distance: 11km, Time: 5-6hours,
Habitat: Desert
A Short but steep ascent to Mawenzi Tarn (4330m). Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn. The afternoon is free to help your acclimatization. Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Turn is 3-4 hours walking.
Day5: Mawenzi Turn hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation (m): 4330 to $4720m,
Distance: 11km, Time: 5-6hours,
Habitat: Desert
Today we cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and KiboHut (4700m), at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall by early afternoon. There is no running water at Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. Mawenzi Turn hut to Kibo Hut is 5-6 hours walking.
Day6: Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation (m): 4720 to 5895m to 3720
Distance: 16km, Time: 5hours up
3hours down to base camp
3hours down to next campHabitat: desert, Artic, Moorland
Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to rim of the main crater, Gillman’s 5,685 m. We will rest there for few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru peak 5,895 m. which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment we descend to Kiko Hut is amazingly fast, and we stop at Kibo Hut for some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach Horrombo Hut. Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut is 13-15 hours walking.
Day7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation (m): 3720m to 1800m,
Distance: 18km, Time: 7-8hours,
Habitat: Montane Forest
Today we will descend past Mandara hut to Marangu Gate, successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. From here you will be transferred to Moshi in your hotel for dinner and overnight. (Alternative transferred to JRO for departure). Horombo hut to Marangu Gate. (6-7 hours walking).
