Page: Rongai Route 6 Days
Overview
The remote Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the quieter northern side for a unique 6-7 day experience. With gentler gradients than other routes, Rongai offers an achievable climb through lush valleys and stark moonscapes with very few other trekkers encountered along the way.
Day By Day Itinerary
From uncrowded Nalemuru Gate, we hike through farmland and forest to reach Simba Camp (7,850 ft). After setting up tents, we can take an acclimatizing walk and enjoy views of nearby peaks like Mount Meru.
Today gains elevation through heath and moorland ecosystems decorated with giant lobelias. Our peaceful campsite at Kikelewa (11,800 ft) features sunset vistas showcasing the Shira Needles rock formation on the opposite side of Kili.
We cross colorful alpine desert scenery on the way to Mawenzi Tarn Hut, dramatically set below craggy Mawenzi Peak. After settling into the basic stone huts at 14,100 ft, we hike up to scenic Mawenzi Tarn lake for acclimatization.
A short but steep hike up to Kibo Ridge brings us to Kibo Hut (15,500 ft). Perched near the crater rim, icy summits floating above the clouds surround us. We try resting in the thin air to brace for an early midnight start to the top.
Departing well before dawn, we ascend switchbacks lined with glaciers. Reaching Uhuru summit (19,341 ft) in time for sunrise makes all the effort worthwhile. We refuel at Kibo Hut before descending to overnight at Horombo Hut (12,200 ft).
Retracing our steps down through moorland and rainforest, we complete the loop after 6 days of scenic splendor. Our descent ends at bustling Marangu Gate, ready to celebrate our achievements!
End of tour
- Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
- You’ll be dropped off at the airport.
Why Adva Travel
Boasting lower traffic and crowds, Rongai’s remote route still requires expertise on the varying terrain and altitudes. Adva Travel’s guides get trained for years, learning to safeguard their groups’ health and handle emergencies at this scale. They cap group sizes too for individualized support. Part of the pay-it-forward tourism model benefiting local villages long-term through education projects, going with Adva Travel makes an impact.
