The 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. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many view points. The drive to the trailhead takes about 4 hours through many villages and coffee plantations. Therefore an early preparation on the hiking day is very important so as to reach at the trekking point before noon.
Our experience with hundreds of clients has shown that this 7 day itinerary offers
the highest chance of reaching the summit successfully while ensuring a safe descent.
It takes 1hour 30minutes driving from Marangu to Nalemuru gate. After the park formalities you will begin hiking on a wide path that wind through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone.
After a good night sleep and hearty breakfast we continue along moorland terrain on a consistent ascending path. You will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.
Gradual rise through beautiful open moorland towards jagged pinnacles of Mawenzi to Kikelewa Camp, this relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Easter ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness. We reach in late afternoon at Kikelewa Caves for dinner and overnight at the camp.
A Short but steep ascent to Mawenzi Tarn (4330m). Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn. The afternoon is free to help your acclimatization.
Today we cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and KiboHut (4700m), at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall by early afternoon. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night
In the midnight you will be awaken by your guide for a cup of coffee/tea/hot chocolate with a piece of bread and biscuit. After warm up you will stand the most demanding part of the Kilimanjaro around 1 a.m. With your flash light, sun glass, walking stick, camera, drinking water, warm layers the trail will take you to Gilman’s point (5,685m/18,650ft). Rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Don’t rest for too long as it will ruin your ability to finalize to the summit the Uhuru peak at (5895m). After taking some pictures you will descend to Kibo hut have some breakfast and a rest before proceeding to Horombo Hut – camping for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m / 8,858 ft), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. Continue descending through lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu. A vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel for a well deserved celebration meal.
