7 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE WITH MAWENZI

Overview

The 7 Days Rongai Route with Mawenzi offers a scenic ascent to Mount Kilimanjaro from the northern side, exploring quieter, less-traveled paths. The route is known for its gradual ascent, which allows for optimal acclimatization and a higher chance of summit success, providing diverse ecosystems and breathtaking views of surrounding landscapes.

Starting at the Rongai Gate, trekkers pass through forests, moorlands, and eventually the alpine desert, approaching Mawenzi Tarn Hut. The Mawenzi region adds an exceptional opportunity to explore the rugged landscape surrounding Mawenzi Peak, the second-highest peak on Kilimanjaro. Hikers enjoy views of the Mawenzi spires and distinctive volcanic terrain.

The trek includes acclimatization days, especially at Mawenzi Tarn, where trekkers rest and adjust to altitude while enjoying views of Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Peak. After summiting, trekkers descend via the Mweka Route, offering a different perspective of Kilimanjaro’s landscape.

The 7 Days Rongai Route with Mawenzi is perfect for those seeking a challenging yet rewarding climb, combined with spectacular views and the chance to see Kilimanjaro from a more remote side of the mountain.

Rongai 7 Days with mawenzi

calendar

7 DAYS

6 NIGHTS

Destination

Mount Kilimanjaro

Itineraries

Day 1: Rongai One

After completing the necessary registration formalities at Rongai National Park gate. The climb begins on a small path that winds through the pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp, Rongai One, is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. [2-3 hours walking]

Day 2: Kikelewa

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3,600 m) [6-7 hours walking]

Day 3: Mawenzi Tarn

A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb allround views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation. [3-4 hours walking]

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn

A day to acclimatise with a walk up onto the Saddle towards Camel’s Back. Camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4.300m)

Day 5: Kibo Campsite

We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700 m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! [5-6 hours walking]

Day 6: Horombo Campsite

We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685 m) We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720 m). [11-15 hours walking]

Day 7: Mandara Hut

A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m). [5-6 hours walking]

Inclusions

  • Park Fees
  • Professional Guides
  • Accommodation
  • Meals & Drinks
  • Drinking Water
  • Transportation
  • Camping Equipment
  • Rescue Fees
  • Oxygen & First Aid Kit
  • Summit Certificate
  • Luggage Handling

Exclusions

  • Flights
  • Visa Fees
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Gear & Equipment
  • Tips for Guides, Porters & Cooks
  • Additional Snacks & Drinks
  • Accommodation Before & After the Climb
  • Personal Expenses (Souvenirs, Laundry, etc.)
  • Emergency Evacuation Costs (If Not Covered by Insurance)
  • Optional Activities

The African Safari Trails is locally owned and managed by people with a love for their native Tanzania and Kilimanjaro, who collectively have many years of experience in the region.
African Safari Trails (TAST) offers amazing and affordable tour packages combining Kilimanjaro treks, African safaris and Zanzibar beach getaways. We have over 20 years of experience in travel planning, guiding numerous successful Mount Kilimanjaro climbs and safaris

SAFARI PACKAGES

2 Days Tanzania Safari

3 Days Tanzania Lodge Safari

4 Days Tanzania Safari

5 Days Serengeti Lodge Safari

6 Days Tanzania Lodge Safari

7 Days Tanzania Lodge Safari

TREKKING

6 Days Marangu Route

7 Days Machame Route

7 Days Rongai Route

6 Days Umbwe Route

8 Days Lemosho Route

3 Days Mount Meru Trekking

CONTACT US

Arusha ,Tanzania - East Africa

Phone: +255 715 709 102

Email: operations@theafricansafaritrails.co.tz

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