Kilimanjaro - Rongai route Trip highlights:

Kilimanjaro climbing- Rongai route 7 days Itinerary is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border.
Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes.
It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation).
Rongai is a moderately difficult route and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.

Package Itinerary:

• Day 1 : Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

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  Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
  Distance: 8 km/5 miles
  Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  Habitat: Rain Forest
  We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.
• Day 2 : Simba Camp to Second Cave to Kikelelwa Camp

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  Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
  Distance: 12 km/8miles
  Hiking Time: 8-9 hours
  Habitat: Heath
  We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelelwa Cave for the night.
• Day 3 : Kikelelwa Cave to Mawenzi Turn

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  Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
  Distance: 5 km/3 miles
  Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  Habitat: Alpine Desert
  The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically.
  Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.
• Day 4 : Mawenzi Turn to Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Turn

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  Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft -14,400 ft
  Distance: 2 km/1 mile
  Hiking Time: 2 hours
  Habitat: Alpine Desert
  This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Turn for camp.
• Day 5 : Mawenzi Turn to Kibo Hut

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  Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
  Distance: 8 km/5 miles
  Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  Habitat: Alpine Desert
  We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall.
  Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
• Day 6 : Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

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  Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
  Distance: 19 km
  Hiking Time: 9 -10 hours
  Habitat: Arctic
  Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit.
  This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme.
  We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks.
  At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
  After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
• Day 7 : Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

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  Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
  Distance: 20 km/12 miles
  Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  Habitat: Rain Forest
  On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates.
  A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.