Trek Rongai Route, Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

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The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. The route described below includes the 'Mawenzi Tarn Hut variation' which is recommended for acclimatization. However, some tours skip this and proceed directly from Simba camp to a 'Third Camp' at around 3700m to Kibo Hut, resulting in a (more difficult because of shorter length) 5-day total trip. Route Outline: Drive 2 hours from the Marangu gate to the Rongai Gate. Walk to Simba Camp at 2,650 metres (8,690 ft). The walk is initially through plantations then rain forest and finally bush country. Walk to second Cave at 3,450 metres (11,320 ft). A gentle day through bush then heathers. Gentle rising traverse through moorland over several ridges to Kikelea Caves, 3,600 metres (11,800 ft). Moorland then screes to Mawenzi Tarn Hut, 4,330 metres (14,210 ft). Easy angled screes slopes lead across the Saddle to Kibo Hut, 4,700 metres (15,400 ft). Very early start for the summit on steep scree up to Gillman's Point (5,681 metres (18,638 ft)), which is on the crater rim. Continue around the rim (which will take about two hours for fit climbers) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 metres (19,341 ft)), the highest point in Africa. Descend to Kibo Hut and then down to the thicker air and relative warmth of Horombo hut. Descend to Marangu gate. Climbers often omit the second cave during ascent, although the climb is more difficult. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season

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