7 Days Rangai
Route Map, Itinerary, Altitude, Distance & Time
Rongai route is the only route that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. This route has low traffic but is gaining popularity amongst climbers. It is the preferred route for those wanting a more remote hike, those looking for an easier route, or those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Although the minimum number of days required for this route is six days, seven days are recommended.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai passes through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. This route also descends down the Marangu route.
Day 1
From the hotel in Moshi, the climbers transferred by vehicle to the attraction wooden village of Nale-Muru. After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track 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 with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. On that day the walk of about 3-4 hours ends at First Cave (Simba Camp) 2,670m from sea level.
| From Rongai Gate | To Rongai Cave |
|---|---|
|
Elevation1,950m = 6,398ft |
2,830m = 9,300ft |
|
Distance Covered |
8km = 5miles |
|
Hiking Time |
3 – 4 Hours |
|
Habitat |
Rain Forest |
Day 2
The morning walk of about 3-4 hours is a steady ascend up the Second Cave 3,450m with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the Crater rim. We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave.
We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night
| From Rongai Cave | To Second Cave | To Kikelewa Cave |
|---|---|---|
|
Elevation 2,830m = 9,300ft |
3,450m = 11,300ft |
3,068m = 10,065 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
6 km = 4 miles |
6 km = 4 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
3-4 hours |
3-4 hours |
|
Habitat |
Heath |
Heath |
Day 3
The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness
area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine
Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated
beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of
the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.
| Kikelewa Cave | To Mawenzi Tarn |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,600m = 11,811ft |
4,315m = 14,160ft |
|
Distance Covered |
5 km = 3 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
3 – 4 Hours |
|
Habitat |
Alpine Desert |
Day 4
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking
on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo
and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head
back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp
| Mawenzi Tarn | To Mawenzi Ridge |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 4,315m = 14,160ft |
4,389m = 14,400ft |
|
Distance Covered |
2 km = 1 mile |
|
Hiking Time |
1-2 hours |
|
Habitat |
Alpine Desert |
Day 5
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between
Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater
wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day
| Mawenzi Tarn | To Kibo Hut |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 4,315m = 14,160ft |
4,703m = 15,430ft |
|
Distance Covered |
8 km = 5 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
5-6 hours |
|
Habitat |
Alpine Desert |
Day 6
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
| From Kibo Hut | Uhuru Peak | To Horombo |
|---|---|---|
|
Elevation 4,703m = 15,430ft |
5,895m = 19,341ft |
3,720m = 12,205ft |
|
Distance Covered |
6 km = 4 miles |
16 km = 10 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
6-8 hours |
4-5 hours |
|
Habitat |
Arctic |
Heath |
Day 7
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rain forest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
| Horombo Hut | Marangu Gate |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,720m = 12,205ft |
1,843m = 6,046 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
20 km = 12 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
5-7 hours |
|
Habitat |
Rain Forest |
NOTE:
The price includes:
- All park entry fees, tour charges and respective taxes as per itinerary,
- Camping Equipment (i.e. tents, chairs, mattresses),
- Food – 3 meals a day and refreshments,
- Trained Personal Cook,
- Trained and licensed English Speaking Mountain Guide,
- Mountain Porters,
- Transportation to/from the mountain,
- Airport transfers,
- Two nights bed and breakfast hotel accommodation in Moshi before and after climbing,
- Air and ground ambulance cover for medical evacuation services,
However, the price excludes:
- Crews tip,
- Climbing gears – e.g. sleeping bag, walking poles, rainy and warm stuff, etc,
- Personal expenses, such as visa fee, airport taxes, insurance policy, etc.