Overviews

Summary

Rongai route is the only route that approaches the mountain from the North side, close to the Kenyan border

Overview

Also referred to as the Nalemuru, Nalemoru, Loitokitok, or Simba Route, the Rongai route is the only route that approaches the mountain from the North side, close to the Kenyan border. As it is relatively protected from the elements it is drier, making it the best option during the rainy seasons and although it’s becoming more travelled it is still less crowded than the other routes and offers a gentler ascent through several different climate zones. 

On the first day the route passes through some farmland areas before entering the forest zone where primates such as blue or sykes monkeys and the black and white Colobus monkey can be spotted. Views of Amboseli National Park and Massai land in Kenya and Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks are stunning. Due to its high success rates,it is thought to be one of the easier routes to climb. You will merge with the

Marangu route at Kibo Hut and descend on the south side, giving you the opportunity to experience varied vegetation and landscapes.

Overview

Rongai route is the only route that approaches the mountain from the North side, close to the Kenyan border

Also referred to as the Nalemuru, Nalemoru, Loitokitok, or Simba Route, the Rongai route is the only route that approaches the mountain from the North side, close to the Kenyan border. As it is relatively protected from the elements it is drier, making it the best option during the rainy seasons and although it’s becoming more travelled it is still less crowded than the other routes and offers a gentler ascent through several different climate zones. 

On the first day the route passes through some farmland areas before entering the forest zone where primates such as blue or sykes monkeys and the black and white Colobus monkey can be spotted. Views of Amboseli National Park and Massai land in Kenya and Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks are stunning. Due to its high success rates,it is thought to be one of the easier routes to climb. You will merge with the

Marangu route at Kibo Hut and descend on the south side, giving you the opportunity to experience varied vegetation and landscapes.

Itinerary

Day 1: Rongai gate / Nalemoru (1,950m) to Simba Camp (2,650m) (First Cave Camp)

Time: 3-4hrs / Distance: 6.5km / Altitude Gain 700m. Pick up from your hotel and drive to Nalemoru gate (1,950m), you will meet your crew and begin your ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The trek starts on a winding path crossing maize fields before entering a dense, mist covered forest area where the Blue monkey, Black and White Colobus and bush baby can be spotted.

Day 2: Simba Camp (2,650m) to Kikelewa Caves (3,600m) (Third Caves Camp)

Time: 6-7hrs / Distance: 9km / Altitude gain: 950m. After breakfast our trek continues passing through a more open, short moorland and heather vegetation zone. Chances of seeing Kibo peak (the summit peak) will be increased. You might also have chances of spotting jackals and sometimes buffaloes if you are lucky. 

Day 3: Kikelewa Caves (3,600m) to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m)

Time: 3-4hrs / Distance: 6km / Altitude gain: 370m. A short incline through grassy slope leads to a tangible sense of wilderness; you will leave the short vegetation to a low desert area before reaching your camp Mawenzi Tarn Hut, where you have a hot lunch and enjoy some short excursions for acclimatization.

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4,700m)

Time: 4-5hrs / Distance: 9km / Altitude Gain: 370m. The route becomes gradually steeper and rockier as we leave Mawenzi Tarn Hut. Stunning views of the upper reaches of Kilimanjaro can be seen before you arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700m) where you will have a hot meal in the afternoon and an early bedtime to ensure you are well rested to start hiking at midnight.

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,700m)

Time: 6-8hrs ascent, 5-6hrs descent / Distance: 5km ascent, 15km descent / Altitude Gain: 1195m, Altitude loss: 2,195m. Setting off at midnight for the summit, this is the longest and most demanding day of the entire trek. Once you reach Gillman’s Point it is just another two hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Once there all your hard work will feel more than worth it as you will be rewarded with a spectacular sunrise over ice fields and views of Mawenzi peaks. 

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,800m)

Time: 5-6hrs / Distance: 20km / Altitude loss: 1,900m.After breakfast we will descend to Marangu gate retracing our steps past Mandara Hut, back through the magnificent rainforest and finally reaching Marangu gate. Once at the gate you will receive your summit certificates, enjoy a short celebration with your porters and be driven back to your hotel where you can have a hot shower and well deserved rest!!

TERMS

Important Note:

*This route can also be done over a 7 or 8 day period. We will always endeavour to get you to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, however the longer the climb the more chances you have of a successful summit. Just let us know what your preference is and we’ll be happy to provide you with a specified itinerary.