Rongai Route

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About

Rongai Route

Mount Kilimanjaro’s less frequented Rongai Route, is a tranquil path that ascends the mountain’s northern face and promises both solitude and spectacle. With its gradual ascents and remote trails, it is a great alternative to the more popular Marangu route and offers a unique perspective of Kilimanjaro, away from the crowds, under the vast African sky.

Key Features

  • Duration: 6-7 days; providing sufficient time for acclimatization
  • Distance: 73 km or 45 miles
  • Difficulty: Low; requires good physical fitness but no technical climbing skills
  • Success Rates: Medium; it's 80% for a 7-day trek and 65% for a 6-day itinerary.
  • Scenic Variety: One of the less scenic Kilimanjaro Routes. Also, the northern side of the mountain is least prone to rainfall, thus providing unobstructed views of the mountaintop.

Conditions And Distance

The Rongai Route Kilimanjaro spans 73 kilometers, starting close to the Kenyan border and ascending from the northeastern side of the mountain. Climbers opting for the route will traverse lush rainforests, heath and moorland, and the stark alpine desert, culminating at the summit’s icy cap.

  • Trail: It is a moderately steep Kilimanjaro Climbing route, with well-maintained paths
  • Weather: Expect warmer conditions due to northern exposure and a range of tropical climates at the base of freezing temperatures at the summit.
  • Wildlife: Its’ remote location allows the hikers to spot large wildlife like antelopes, buffaloes, and elephants.

Duration

The journey via the Rongai Route typically takes between 6 to 7 days. The longer duration allows for more acclimatization, significantly improving the success rate for Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing.

  • A 6-day trek is quite popular, offering a good balance of challenge and rest.
  • The 7-day journey provides an extra day for acclimatization, increasing the likelihood of a successful summit.

How Hard Is The Rongai Route?

Though the Rongai Route is considered one of Kilimanjaro’s easier paths, it is by no means a walk in the park. High altitude, variable weather conditions, and the physical demand of the climb present a worthy challenge.

  • Elevation: This route reaches the summit at a height of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).
  • Terrain: While the terrain is not as steep as other Kilimanjaro Routes, it still requires careful navigation.
  • Fitness: A good level of physical fitness is required, and pre-climb training is recommended.

Day-By-Day Breakdown

The standard itinerary of the Rongai Route for Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing is as follows:

  • Day 1 - Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave Camp: Begin the trek through pine forests, with the possibility of spotting local wildlife.
  • Day 2 -  Rongai Cave Camp to Second Cave to Kikelelwa Camp: Traverse the moorland zone, offering panoramic views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
  • Day 3 - Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp: Continue through the moorland, reaching the picturesque Mawenzi Tarn Camp for acclimatization.
  • Day 4 - Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn: This additional day is meant for acclimatization only. Mostly spent hiking on Mawenzi Ridge.
  • Day 5 - Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut: Trek across the lunar-desert-like saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks to reach the Kibo Hut.
  • Day 6 - Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut: Begin the summit push early, reach the highest point of Africa, and descend to Horombo Hut.
  • Day 7 - Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate: Descend through moorland and lush rainforest to reach the Marangu Gate, marking the end of the journey.

The Rongai Route is an excellent choice for those seeking a less crowded, gradual route to the top of Kilimanjaro. It is particularly suited for novice climbers, or those who value solitude and a slower pace. Also, for anyone seeking to Climb Kilimanjaro in the rainy season, this is the route for you as the northern face receives less rain.

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