8 Day Rongai Route- Kilimanjaro Trekking
The Rongai route is the only route approaching Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, those who would like a more remote hike, and those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Rongai is a moderately complex route and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai compensates by passing through actual wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. The descent is via the Marangu route.
THE BUDGET:
8 Days from $2, 250 per person
Price is an estimate only and is dependant on group size, age of children, time of year and your choice of camps.
MAKE IT EXTRA SPECIAL:
We can incorporate all kind of activities in your safari, like coffee farm tours, hot air balloon, Maasai cultural tours, canoe safari, zip-lining and hiking. See below for our optional extras.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Accommodations Option
Accomodation: Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat
Meals Plan: Bed & Breakfast
NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP
NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP: 7KM /5MI | 3-4 HRS | RAINFOREST Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft Altitude gained: 638m
A 4-5 hour drive from Moshi will take you through the coffee plantations and Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and natural wildlife you will likely see. Simba camp sits near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone with spectacular views of the plains of Kenya.
Accomodation: Simba Camp
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP
SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP: 5.8KM/3.6MI | 5-6HRS | MOORLAND Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft Altitude gained: 852m
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we continue along the moorland terrain on a consistent ascending path. You will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.
Accommodations Option
Accomodation: Second Cave Camp
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SECOND CAVE CAMP – THIRD CAVE CAMP
SECOND CAVE CAMP – THIRD CAVE CAMP: 3.3KM/2MI | 3-4HRS | SEMI DESERT Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3936m/12,913ft Altitude gained: 449m
After breakfast and packing, you continue your steady ascent into the semi-desert terrain. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Easter ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. Pay attention to your body and inform your guide of any signs of altitude sickness.
Accommodations Option
Accomodation: Third Cave Camp
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
THIRD CAVE CAMP- KIBO HUTS
THIRD CAVE CAMP- KIBO HUTS: 6.7KM/4.2MI | 4-5HRS | ALPINE DESERT Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 5174m/16975ft Altitude gained: 1238m
As you depart the semi-desert zone from the Third Cave early in the morning, begin your trek into the Alpine Desert terrain for the remainder of your ascent. Today’s hike will take you just below the Kibo crater wall to the Kibo Huts. At this point, you will merge with the Marangu Route, which you will use to hike to the summit. You will prepare your clothing and equipment (replace batteries for headlamp and camera) before you go to bed by 7 PM and try to catch a few hours of rest before your summit attempt.
Accommodations Option
Accomodation: Kibo Huts
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT
KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4KM /2.5 MI UP | 5-7HRS | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75KM /9.8MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT Elevation: 5174m/16975ft to 5895m/19,341ft Altitude gained: 721m Descent to 3721m/12,208ft Altitude lost: 2174m
Excitement builds as morning arrives, starting early between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the fantastic accomplishment ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, it ascends through a heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here, you will likely encounter snow on your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Congratulations, one step at a time, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy, we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We then begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. A well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight at Mweka Camp.
Accommodations Option
Accomodation: Mweka Camp
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE
HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 20KM/12.5MI |6-7HRS | RAINFOREST Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft Altitude lost: 1816m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters since you will be leaving them here. You return to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep, and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. A vehicle will meet you from the gate and drive you to your luxury accommodation in Arusha. Once you arrive, take a well-deserved hot shower and relax. Then, celebrate your successful climb with a delicious dinner and perhaps share stories and memories of your journey.
Accommodations Option
Accomodation: Gran Melia Hotel
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departure After breakfast
Our representative will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight departure. However, take the memories, the sense of accomplishment, and the everlasting bond with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. But if you decide to go on a Tanzania Safari, that’s a different adventure; we’ll take care of that for you!
the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. But if you decide to go on a Tanzania Safari, that’s a different adventure; we’ll take care of that for you!
- Inclusion
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private Mountain sleeping tents:
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
- All Park fees, Airport transfers, Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries, and park fees
- Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Oximeter
- Medical Kit
- Emergency oxygen
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Pre and Post-Climb Accommodations
- Portable toilet
- Exclusion
- Tanzanian visa
- Airfares
- Traveller’s insurance
- Tips, Personal spending monies for souvenirs, etc.
Other Safari Tours
Our team lives and breathes Africa. That’s why you can trust us to tailor-make the most authentic and fulfilling African experience. Our team lives and breathes Africa. That’s why you can trust us to tailor-make the most authentic and fulfilling African experience.
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