This is the best route and the second easiest route to climb up Kilimanjaro Mountain after Marangu route. This is the only route that reaches Kilimanjaro’s peak from the north east. Hiking to the top gives you nice views of the lush on the mountain and some forest wildlife species. Beautiful about this route is that it has fewer mountain climbers.
Day 1: Arusha – Rongai Gate – 1st Caves camps (2,600)
Early morning after breakfast, drive to Rongai gate, about a three hour drive from Marangu gate. At the gate have some briefing from the local ranger guide and then start hiking Africa’s highest peak; Kilimanjaro mountain. Walk through the cypress plantations and the montane forest where you can even possibly spot some colobus monkeys. Hike upto the first cave camp at 2600 meters high. Porters and the cook move faster such that by the time you are at the camp, your tent is already built up and you have something to eat.
Day 2: 1st Caves Camp (2600) – Kikelelwa Cave (3,600)
Start the day with a simple breakfast and hike through a trail that takes you through the moorland vegetation type. This hike will give you clear views of the surrounding lush. Lunch will be at the second hut and then carry on with the hike towards the third Cave camp at 3450 meters high at Kikelelwa Cave. The overnight will be spent here with hot water or tea and dinner.
Day 3: Kikelelwa Cave (3,600) – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4,330)
After a light breakfast, the third hiking day takes you to Mawenzi Tarn Camp at 4,330 meters. The hike starts with a relatively easy slope. Later the terrain becomes steeper and very soon you reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp. This remarkable campsite is close to a small lake. Arrival at the site will be in the afternoon regarding your speed for lunch, relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330) – Kibo Hut (4,700)
Today’s program still starts with a light breakfast. Hike over a small ridge before having a simple walk on a nice path that is on the northern part of the mountain. Today you will walk through the alpine desert, you will have good weather views. Here Rongai route adjoins with Marangu route as it approaches Kibo hut at 4,700 meters. On arrival still have lunch and hot water or tea as well as some relaxation at the hut.
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,700) – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut (3’720)
This will be the summit day. Hike to the top of Africa’s highest peak, Uhuru peak on Kilimanjaro Mountain. After breakfast, hike through a very rough path filled with rocks passing by 5000 meters to Hans Meyer Cave at 5,150 meters and Gillman’s Point. Reaching the peak from Kibo will take you about 3-4 hours. At Uhuru you won’t spend a lot of time because the temperatures here are freezing. Slope down immediately to Horombo hut at 3,720 meters high. Here you will have dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720) – Marangu gate (1,980)
Today you will slope to Marangu gate passing Mandara hut at 2,700 meters for a short rest and lunch and then proceed to Marungu gate. The driver will be waiting for you to drop you off at the airport for your onward flight.
