The Rongai Route is the only route on the north-eastern part of the mountain. This route is gaining in popularity, because it is the second easiest after Marangu and it has amazing wilderness conditions.
The Rongai Route is recommended for climbers who want to avoid the huge numbers of climbers on other routes. This route can be started from the Tanzanian or the Kenyan side of the mountain and can be achieved in 6 days.
The Rongai Route is only used to climb up the mountain and at the final stage it joins up with the Marangu Route, which is also the ascending route. This route has lots of caves, which are partly also used as overnight accommodations.
The only Kilimanjaro route starting from the mountain’s north, the Rongai Route is one of the least travelled routes up the mountain.
A less steep, less crowded, and drier route due to its north-facing orientation, the Rongai Route is fast gaining in popularity with those wanting a unique climbing experience.
Youu2019ll be picked up from your Arusha or Moshi hotel after breakfast and make your way to the Marangu gate for the formalities of climber registration.
Youu2019ll then be transferred overland to the Rongai Gate, which is located roughly 2.5 hours drive away.
Your walk takes you through towering fields of corn and lush pine forest on a pleasantly gradual ascent towards 1st Caves Camp.
Arriving in time for a hot dinner, youu2019ll overnight here.
Starting your day with a delicious breakfast, youu2019ll begin the long ascent towards Kikelewa Cave.
Stopping along the way at 2nd Caves Camp for lunch, youu2019ll arrive at Kikelewa in time for a hot lunch and some fireside banter.
Youu2019ll really start to appreciate just how high you are up here, as the stars unfold overhead and the Tanzanian landscape unfurls below.
Todayu2019s hike is short but steep, taking you from 3,600m at Kikelewa to 4,330m at Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
Your landscape today is one of scrubby alpine moorland dotted with plants youu2019ll have seen nowhere else in Tanzania.
Mawenzi Tarn boasts a spectacular view and ominous towers of stone, making for a unique camping experience.
Youu2019ll hike for 4-5 hours today towards Kibo Hut in the Kibo Saddle between the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Todayu2019s hiking takes you through true alpine desert u2013 a place of stark beauty.
Youu2019ll overnight at Kibo Hut ahead of your summit attempt.
Youu2019re starting your day early today u2013 just after midnight, in fact!
Your climbing team will wake you with a cup of hot tea and a light snack for energy as you get dressed and prepare your daypack for the adventure ahead.
Youu2019ll be hiking in utter darkness for the next 5-7 hours, so take it slow and youu2019ll arrive at Stella Point a few hours before dawn. From here, thereu2019s another two hours of intense hiking before you reach your ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak.
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Standing at 5,985m, youu2019ll be able to experience a spectacular sunrise and take in the panoramic view. Youu2019ve done it!
Youu2019ll then descend back to Horombo Hut via Kibo Hut. At anywhere between 12 and 16 hours of hiking, this is sure to be one of the longest, most gruelling days of your life!
Itu2019s a day of celebration today, as youu2019ll enjoy one last breakfast on the mountain before descending to the Marangu Gate.
Itu2019s an almost 20km walk today, but the steady downhill makes it a lot easier than the ascent.
Upon arrival at the gate, youu2019ll get to celebrate with your porters and guides, provide them with their tips for their hard work, and collect your certificate of completion.
Your driver will then whisk you away to your Moshi or Arusha hotel to get some well-earned rest.
