Offering a true wilderness experience as you climb the Kilimanjaro, Rongai route is the only route that ascends the mountain from the North, close to the Kenyan border. Due to its remote nature, the route is among the less crowded routes on Kilimanjaro. It has a gradual ascent, not very steep thus recommended for travelers with less mountain climbing experiences.
Since it approaches the mountain from the North, this side of the mountain receives less moisture and very little rain thus highly recommended for those traveling during the wet season.
It makes up for its not so good scenic views with clear views of the Kilimanjaro. Which is not the case with other routes. It ffers a true wilderness experience where with some luck your eye might catch some wildlife like elephants, buffalos, monkeys and antelopes.
The distance of Rongai route is 73 km. It takes you through forested areas, farmlands, unspoiled wilderness, moorland, alpine deserts, snow on the peak and rain-forests on descend in Marangu. The ascent starts from Rongai gate in the Northeast side of Kilimanjaro national park and descends via the Marangu route in the South.
Your 7 days on Rongai route:
- Day 1: Rongai gate to Rongai cave (1,950 – 2,830m)
- Day 2: Rongai cave to Second cave (2,830 – 3,450m), Second cave to Kikelewa cave (3,450 – 3,600m)
- Day 3: Kikelewa cave to Mawenzi tarn (3,600 – 4,315m)
- Day 4: Mawenzi tarn to Mawenzi ridge (4,315 – 4,389m), Mawenzi ridge to Mawenzi tarn (4,389 – 4,315m)
- Day 5: Mawenzi tarn to Kibo hut (4,315 – 4,703m)
- Day 6: Kibo hut to Uhuru peak-summit (4,703 – 5,895m), Uhuru peak to Horombo hut (5,895 – 3,702m)
- Day 7: Horombo hut to Marangu gate (3,702 – 1,843m)
For those who wouldn’t mind a remote experience and like to stay away from the crowded routes, Rongai route is your best pick. Look out for some wildlife on your early days of the climb in the lower parts of the mountain.
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