7 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE WITH SECOND CAVE

Overview

The 7 Days Rongai Route with Second Cave is a less-traveled yet highly rewarding trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. This route approaches from the northern side, offering trekkers a remote wilderness experience and less crowded paths compared to other routes. The inclusion of Second Cave in the itinerary gives trekkers the chance to enjoy the stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes and a longer, more gradual ascent for improved acclimatization.

The trek begins at the Rongai Gate, leading you through the rainforests and into the moorlands. Along the way, you’ll pass through the First and Second Caves, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and wildlife. As you ascend, you will pass through diverse ecosystems, experiencing varying landscapes, including alpine deserts and the Kilimanjaro glaciers.

The route is gradual, which is great for acclimatization and offers an excellent chance of reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters. After summiting, trekkers descend via the Mweka Route for a different perspective of the mountain. This 7-day itinerary provides the opportunity to fully absorb the beauty of the mountain while also giving trekkers enough time to acclimatize for a successful summit attempt.

The Rongai Route with Second Cave is perfect for those seeking a quiet, scenic path with plenty of wildlife encounters and stunning views on their way to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Rongai 7 Days with Second Cave

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: Second Cave

This is only a morning walk up to the campsite at ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m). The walk is a steady ascent with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. The afternoon can be spend enjoying the view over the Kenyan plains or doing a short acclimatization walk up towards Third Cave. [3-4 hours walking]

Day 3: Kikelewa Cave

We now 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) After lunch, there is time to explore the valley or to rest. [3-4 hours walking]

Day 4: 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 (4,330m), 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 5: Kibo Campsite

We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700m) 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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