Rongai Route and its wonders in kilimanjaro
- July 18, 2024
- Posted by: chosen@202q
- Category: Prepare To Travel Tips
Rongai Route and its wonders in kilimanjaro
The Rongai Path is the only path that begins on the northernmost point of Mount Kilimanjaro, usually referred to as the Kenyan side of the mountain. Because of its distant position, this trail provides hikers with a relatively pristine wilderness experience where they can encounter antelopes, elephants, and buffaloes, among other wildlife.
Trekkers are less likely to encounter rain on Mount Kilimanjaro’s north-east slope because this area receives substantially less rainfall than the mountain’s southern slopes. Trekkers may also see the mountain and its snow-capped peak more clearly and unobstructed.
The Rongai Route
Despite being flatter than other Kilimanjaro routes, the Rongai Route’s profile makes it difficult for hikers to climb high and sleep low.
It is possible to hike the Rongai route in six, seven, or even eight days; this way is very suggested because it gives hikers more time to acclimate.
The Rongai Route is less traveled than other paths on Mount Kilimanjaro because of its remote location. hikers who choose this route spend the night at the difficult Kibo Hut and retrace the steps of Marangu hikers, passing Gilman’s Point on their way to Uhuru Peak.
This schedule is for a 7-day Ronga Route Trek; please take note that 6-day trekkers do not acclimate by spending an extra day at Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 meters). Eight-day hikers also make a halt at 3,450-meter-high Rongai Second Cave on day two before continuing on to 3,600-meter-high Kikelewa Camp.
The Rongai Route 7-days itinerary
Day 1: Travel from Rongai First Cave (2,620 meters) to Rongai Start Point (1,950 meters)
About 8 km (5 miles) were spent trekking.
Zone: Forested
Trekkers are transported from Moshi or Arusha to Marangu Gate on the first day of the hike, where they register and then continue driving 70 kilometers on unpaved roads to the 1,950-meter Rongai starting point.
The first day’s journey is easy going, and you will arrive at Rongai First Cave (2,620 meters) about mid-afternoon, where you can clean up and have dinner. The trek starts at Nale Moru Village and follows a smooth and twisting trail that initially crosses a field of corn before entering the rainforest.
Day 2: Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters) to Rongai Cave (2,620 meters)
About 9 kilometers (7 miles) in distance
Time spent trekking: 6-7 hours
Zone: Low-alpine / Rainforest
Day 2: After leaving Rongai First Cave, the journey continues through the rainforest and enters the low alpine moorland zone, where you’ll notice a shift in the vegetation to grasses and shrubs.
Before heading east to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters) for the night, you will make a stop at Rongai Second Cave (3,450 meters), which is 6 kilometers from the Fist Cave Camp.
Take note: Hikers may spend the night at Rongai Second Caves before moving on to Kikelewa Camp.
Day 3: Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters) to Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 meters)
Distance: 4.5 miles (6 km)
Time spent trekking: 4-5 hours
Zone: High-altitude / Low-altitude
On the third day, the walk from Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 meters), which is situated beneath the majestic Mawenzi Peak, is brief but steep.
After arriving in Mawenzi Tarn in time for lunch, you will have the entire day to explore and acclimate to the surroundings.
Day 4: At Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 meters), acclimatization
Distance: zero kilometers
Trekking duration: none
Zone: High-mountain region
Day 4 is crucial because it’s for acclimatization; you’ll go on a quick hiking tour to learn more about the region. This is the day you’re going to take some amazing photos of the mountain and its surroundings.
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,700 meters) to Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 meters)
Distance: 5.5 miles / 9 kilometers)
Time spent trekking: 6-7 hours
Zone: High-mountain region
The fifth day of the hike starts from Mawenzi Tarn and goes steadily up to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters) along the Saddle, which forms between Kibo and Mawenzi’s summits. Although this route is arid, desolate, and rather uninviting, it provides breathtaking vistas of Kibo.
After dinner at Kibo Hut, trekkers should head to bed early because they will be starting their summit attempt at around 23:30. Before going to bed, they should make sure they have their kit ready, which should include a headlamp, camera, insulated water bottle, and warm weather clothing.
On day 6, go from Kibo Hut (4,700 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and finally Horombo Hut (3,720 meters).
Following an elevation gain of about 5.5 km (3 miles), there is a 15 km (8 mile) descent.
Trekking time: 5-8 hours to reach Horombo Hut and 6-8 hours to reach the top
Zone: The glacial zone and every zone that came before it
The sixth day of the journey starts at midnight. After having tea and biscuits, you’ll climb in the dark over a rocky road to reach the first checkpoint, Hans Meyer Cave, which is located at 5,150 meters. Here, you’ll take a break and fill up with an energy bar.
After two to three hours, the trail zigzags and gets steeper as it approaches Gilman’s Point, which is located at 5,681 meters. You have made significant progress by reaching the rim of the Kino Crater, but you still need to climb 200 meters to reach the top, Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters).
You’ll need to work hard to muster the energy and mental toughness to force yourself up the last few slopes. You can take a quick break at Uhuru Peak before returning to Kibo Hut and continuing on to Horombo Hut. You will hike for a maximum of 12 to 16 hours in total. Even though it will be one of your longest days ever, it will be well worth it. If you enjoy drinking beer, Horombo Hut has some available.
Day 7: Marangu Gate (1,870 meters) to Horombo Hut (3,720 meters)
About 20 kilometers, or 13 miles, away
Time spent trekking: 5-7 hours
Zone: Forested
Day 7 is the last day of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. After a strenuous 20 kilometers or so of hiking, you will descend from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,870 meters). Since you likely have aching knees after yesterday’s hike, it is advisable that you descend slowly and pay attention to your footing. To lessen the strain on your joints, make use of your trekking poles.
You will sign out at Marangu Gate, where hikers who made it to Gilman’s Point but no farther will receive a green certificate.
Gold certificates will be awarded to trekkers who reach the summit of Uhuru Peak.
Trekkers now give their porters and guides their well-earned tips, and after meeting your driver guide, ytransported back to your Moshi or Arusha accommodation.ou’ll be