7Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing – Rongai Route

MURINGA KENYA TOURS AND SAFARIS

7 Days Rongai Route is one of the easiest routes and the success rate is very high. The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border.

Arusha

❮ ❯

See more photos

Day 1: Arusha,Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft, 5 miles, approx. 4 hours
We drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru. 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.

Day 2: Simba Camp to Cave Camp 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft, 4 miles, approx. 3-4 hours
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.Overnight at the camp

Day 3: Hike Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft, 4 miles, approx. 3-4 hours
Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.Overnight at the camp

Day 4: Hike Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft, 3 miles, 4 hours
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.

Day 5: Hike Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft, 5 miles, 5-6 hours
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early.

Day 6: Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hut 6-8 hours ascent, 4-5 hours descent
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly& an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Day 7: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi/arusha
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through to gate at Marangu. vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi/arusha