Starting from the North- east side of the mountain near the
Kenyan border, the Rongai route rises above the Amboseli
plains and approached the summit of Kilimanjaro east of the Mawenzi
peaks. It is an unfrequented route and is also the easiest camping
approach to Uhuru Peak.
Rongai
Route in brief:-
Day 1: Rongai Gate (1950m) - 1st Caves camp (2600m):
Register at the Marangu park gate with a transfer (approximately 2
½ hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your guide and porters
before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small
winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and
then climbs gently. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a
gentle hike through beautiful country. The forest begins to thin out
before you reach the first cave later in the afternoon. The first
night's camp is at First Cave , at about 2,600 metres. There is a
toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be
found just down the trail below First Cave .
DAY 2: Cave (2600m) - Kikelewa Cave (3600m): The
trail continues up towards Kibo with magnificent views of the
Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. We will pass Second Cave
(3450m) en-route, and head out across the Kikelwa moorlands under
the jagged and imposing, Mawenzi peaks, reaching Kikelwa Cave at
about 3600 metres. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp with magnificent Scenio's
nearby Kikelewa Caves .
DAY 3: Kikelewa Cave (3600) - Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m): A
short but steep climb up grassy slopes offering superb views of this
wilderness area. Here, we will leave the moorland region behind and
quickly enter into the lunar alpine desert stretched out between the
imposing peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. We will camp at Mawenzi Tarn
spectacularly situated in the shadows of Mawenzi. Spend the
afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
DAY 4: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) - Kibo hut (4700m): Continue
ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between
Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The
remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final
ascent, which begins around midnight . Overnight at Kibo Camp
DAY 5: Kibo hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo
hut (3720m): You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea
and biscuits you will head off into the night. This will be the
hardest day on the trail as you head into the cold night air towards
Uhuru peak. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path
to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). The path then zigzags up to
Gillman's point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This
section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great
physical and mental effort. From Gillman's Point you will normally
encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m). You will then
begin your 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut where you will have a
short rest and gather all your gear for the descent and begin the
trail down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. Later
in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer
for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and well-earned sleep,
feeling exhilarated and proud of your achievement.
DAY 6: Horombo hut (3720m) - Marangu Gate (1980m): After
breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara
hut, down to the Marangu gate. Here, you can give a tip to the head
guide for the entire team. He will distribute it accordingly. At
Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is
also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates.
Those climbers who reached Gillman's Point (5685m) are issued with
green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive
gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue
hot shower, dinner and celebrations! Overnight in the hotel.
