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7 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE KILIMANJARO MULTI-DAY HIKE
Kilinge Adventures leads treks up the unique Rongai Route as a Kilimanjaro Multi-day hike; 7 Days Rongai Route Climb is known to be more scenic than the Marangu Route, easier than the Machame Route, and the success rate on the Rongai is very high. Unlike the Marangu Route where you sleep in huts, on the Rongai you sleep in tents (tents are included), and the porters will pitch your tent for you. Meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside.
The 7-Day Rongai Route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least traveled routes. The Rongai joins the Marangu for the summit climb, then you descend the Marangu Route on the mountain’s southeast side, so you see Kilimanjaro from many view points
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What's included
- Unlimited bottled water
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Best 7 Days Rongai Route – Kilimanjaro Hiking
This 7 Days Rongai Route is a popular hiking that takes climbers to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. The 7-Day Rongai Route is known for its scenic beauty and remote wilderness, as it approaches Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain.
The hiking starts at the Rongai Gate and follows a gradual ascent through dense forests, alpine meadows, and moorlands. The trail passes through several picturesque valleys, including the Second Cave and Third Cave, before reaching the Kibo Hut, which is the base camp for the final ascent to the summit.
The final ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro starts at midnight and involves a steep climb up scree and rocks to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim.
From Gilman’s Point, the trail continues around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro, where hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The descent follows the Marangu Route, passing through the scenic Horombo Hut and Mandara Hut, before finally reaching the park gate at Marangu.
The 7-day Rongai Route is considered one of the more gradual and less crowded routes up Kilimanjaro, making it a popular choice for hikers who want to experience the beauty of the mountain without the crowds of other popular routes.
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Book Kilimanjaro 7 Days Rongai Route With KILINGE ADVENTURES
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave
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.
Rongai Cave to to Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
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 Kikelewa Cave for the night.
Rongai Cave to to Second Cave
Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
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.
Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge -> Mawenzi Tarn
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 Tarn for camp. Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft -14,400 ft
Distance: 2 km/1 mile
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn
Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft -14,160 ft
Distance: 2 km/1 mile
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut.
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.
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak.
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.
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
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
