Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 5 Days Trekking

The Rongai Trailhead is Kilimanjaro's only route beginning from the north side and crossing the mountain. It is used by few trekkers. It joins with the Marangu Route on the final ascent to the summit on the fourth day, but otherwise few others are seen along the way. This route affords the opportunity to witness up-close the Mawenzi volcano, the second highest peak of Kilimanjaro, and the magnificent saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peak.
Due to the rugged terrain and the very limited acclimatization time, fitness plays a huge role in the enjoyment and success of this trek. Each day you see many changes of vegetation and scenery, due to the rising terrain and decrease in precipitation. The accommodation is in mountain tents and dining is in our mess tents. Toilet tents with convenient and sanitary portable flush toilets are set up at all camps.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Stop At: Arusha, Arusha, Arusha Region
You will be met on arrival usually at Kilimanjaro Airport if you arrive by international flight or in Arusha if you arrive by internal flight or shuttles bus from Nairobi or likewise. You will be escorted to waiting vehicle by our transferring driver who will then drive you to Arusha for the rest of the day your treks will start the next day morning. Depending on your arrival time our mountain guide will meet you at the hotel for briefing on the next Kilimanjaro trek
Duration: 0

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Arusha Mvuli hotel (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 2: Arusha (1,400 m) – Rongai Gate (1950 m) – 1st Caves camp (2,600 m)

Stop At: Marangu, Marangu, Kilimanjaro Region
The starting point of your Kilimanjaro trekking Rongai Route is at Park Gate of Marangu, then you will have a transport to the Rongai trail ahead (1,950 m). Normally, the transport is of about 3 hours to the Rongai gate.
Duration: 0

Stop At: Rongai, Tanzania
If time allows, a packed lunch can be taken at Nelemoru. This trial takes you along the cypress plantations and montane forest. You can possibly spot some colobus monkeys. The path is ending at the 1st Cave camp (2,600 m) and it is gradual allows you to enjoy the surroundings. Porters & cook are moving faster so at the time you reach the camp you will find them waiting and already build up your tents. They might have even prepared popcorn for you and something hot to drink. At the camp you will get hot water to wash then changing clothes you have been trekking with, stay warm. Enjoy the camp environment waiting for dinner time. At night Mountain temperature may drop to a freezing point, be prepared.
Duration: 0

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 1st Caves Camp (2,600 m)

Day 3: RONGAI THIRD CAVES

Stop At: Tanzania, Tanzania
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Third Cave’ (3,450 m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we continue up to Third Cave
Duration: 0

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 4: RONGAI SCHOOL HUT

Pass By: Kibo Tower, Boma Road Rindi Lane, Moshi 255 Tanzania
The steady ascend continues, soon reaching the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo. We should reach School Hut Campsite (4,750 m.) at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall by midday. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! [4-5 hours walking]

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 5: SUMMIT AND DOWN HORROMBO HUT

Stop At: Gilman's Point, Tanzania
We will start the final and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685 m.) We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to School (4,700 m.) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720 m.). [11-15 hours walking]
Duration: 0

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 6: HORROMBO DOWN MARANGU GATE-ARUSHA

Stop At: Marangu, Marangu, Kilimanjaro Region
A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu then you will be transferred to Arushatown for overnight at Mvuli hotel (1,830 m.). [5-6 hours walking]
Duration: 0

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Mvuli hotel

Day 7: DEPARTING DAY

Stop At: Kilimanjaro Region, Kilimanjaro Region
After saying bye to our team of guides then you need a private departure transfer which is included from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight unless you have an option to have a short safari or any other option we will discuss.
Duration: 0

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.