Overview
- Duration: 7 days
- Tour Type: Group tour
- Group size: 2+ peoples
- Live guide: English, Francais
The Rongai route leads across the rarely used, rain-poor northeast flank of Kilimanjaro. The route starts near the Kenyan border, and offers great views of the Kenyan savannah and rugged Mawenzi. The trail leads first through fir forest and lighter rainforest, whilst at the Mawenzi Tarn Camp you will pass the only mountain lake on Kilimanjaro.
The mountain massif is exceeded during this tour, and the descent is via the Marangu route. Due to the drier climate, the route is also suitable for ascents during the rainy season. The route is relatively easy, but some rock passages in the summit area require a certain degree of surefootedness.
We recommend the Rongai route as a 7- Day tour. For very fit mountain hikers, the 6 - Day tour is also suitable. The second day of the 6-day tour walks directly from the Simba Camp to the Kikelelwa Camp, as the intermediate stage over the Second Cave Camp is omitted.
Highlights:
Exceeding the Kilimanjaro
Ascent via the Rongai route, descent via the Marangu route
Very varied route from the dry north to the lush south
Great views in the savannah and on the Mawenzi, on the route is the only mountain lake at Kilimanjaro
Total distance about 70 km
Daily Stages / Walking Times:
| Day | Overnight stays in Tents | Hours | Kilometers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nalemoru Gate (1990 m) - Simba Camp (2625 m) | 3-4 h | 7 |
| 2 | Simba Camp (2625 m) - Second Cave Camp (3450 m) | 3-4 h | 4 |
| 3 | Second Cave Camp (3450 m) - Kikelewa Camp (3650 m) | 3 -4 h | 5 |
| 4 | Kikelewa Camp (3650 m) - Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4330 m) | 3-4 h | 6 |
| 4 | Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4330 m) - Kibo Hut (4700 m) | 4-5 h | 9 |
| 4 | Kibo Hut (4700 m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo Hut (3700 m) | 12-14 h | 20 |
| 4 | Horombo Hut (3700 m) - Marangu Gate (1860 m) | 4-6 h | 19 |
Tour Plan
Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi Town for Overnight at Boloti Camp Resort / The Maridadi Hotel / Lindrin Lodge - (BB) .
Nalemoru Gate (1990m) - Simba Camp (2625m)
After breakfast and a general briefing for your upcoming ascent (including equipment check), we will drive around Kilimanjaro on its east side. After a 3 to 4-hour ride, which passes some small villages, we reach the park entrance. Once the formalities are completed and your luggage is distributed to the carriers, the tour can start.
First you pass cultivated fields, then the way leads through the pine forest into the light rainforest.
With some luck you will see the black and white colobus monkeys. After a 3-4-hour hike, you will arrive at the Simba Camp, which is surrounded by a beautiful landscape and offers a view of the Kibo. Here you spend your first night at Kilimanjaro.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at Simba Camp
.
Today's section of the route leads through both heath and moorland landscapes. In good weather you have a great view of the savannah. At noon you will reach Second Cave Camp where you will spend the night. After lunch, you can take a short hike towards the Third Cave - this supports your acclimatization.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at Second Cave Camp
.
Today we continue upwards through heath and moorland to Kikelewa Camp. The camp is located in a protected sink surrounded by senecios. You will arrive around noon and have plenty of time to explore the surrounding area and enjoy the views.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at Kikelewa Camp
.
Today's stage continues through heath and moorland landscape, the senecios typical for the Kilimanjaro are your companion. The landscape soon becomes more barren and we move towards the Mawenzi. After crossing some rocky sections, the way leads over a moraine ridge to today ‘s destination - the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. The camp is protected by the Mawenzi and is located at the only mountain lake on Kilimanjaro. It is one of the most beautiful camps on the mountain.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at Mawenzi Tarn Hut
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After breakfast the trail leads steady uphill. Once you have reached the mountain ridge, you will have a clear view of the Kibo saddle and your day's destination. The trail continues over the saddle which connects the Mawenzi to the main summit Kibo. Here the landscape changes into an alpine desert, only a few plants can survive in the dry and low oxygen environment. The Kibo Hut is located at the foot of the main peak of the same name, and it is here that you will spend the last night before the ascent to the summit. Tonight, is for gathering your strength and sleeping early, as the night will be short and tomorrow will be exhausting.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at Kibo Hut.
At around 11pm it will be time to leave your sleeping bag, and after warming up with a cup of tea or coffee, you will start your ascent of the summit at around midnight. At an even tempo, using the light of your headlamp, the trail leads upwards. After about two hours you will reach the Hans Meyer Cave, the first milestone to the summit. The further climb is increasingly steep, and just before sunrise you will reach the crater rim at Gilman's Point. From here you will walk along the crater rim, pass the Stella Point, and after 1-2 hours, reach the Uhuru Peak. You did it and are now on the roof of Africa! But the long descent is still ahead of you. In the warm midday sun, the trail leads back to Kibo Hut, where refreshments will be waiting for you. After a short rest, you will continue to your camp for the night, the Horombu Hut. On arrival here and after further refreshments, you will probably fall quickly into deep but contented sleep.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at Horombo Hut.
Horombo Hut (3700m) - Marangu Gate (1860m) – Moshi Town
Your last day on Kilimanjaro takes you back through the heath and moorland to the Mandara Hut (2700m), where you will enjoy lunch with views of the rainforest. After your break, you will continue your walk through the tropical rainforest, where you can spot blue monkeys and the black and white colobus monkeys. After a total walking time of 6 hours, you will arrive back to the entrance of the national park. Here it will be time to say goodbye to your mountain team. After enjoying a shower at the hotel and a little relaxation, your guide will present you with your summit certificate. During a communal drink, you can remember the adventures of the past few days and celebrate your summit success.
Meal Plan:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner and Overnight at The Maridadi Hotel / Lindrin Lodge - (HB)
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After breakfast, transfer to the Kilimanjaro International Airport for your Departure flight back home.
Price for the Above Itinerary:
1 Pax - 7 Days USD 3,279 Per Single Person
2 Pax - 7 Days USD 2,797 Per Person
3-4 Pax - 7 Days USD 2,550 Per Person
5-6 Pax - 7 Days USD 2,492 Per Person
NB: For a Group of above 7 Pax, please request for a Quote.
Included
- Return Airport Transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- Mountain Crew (Cook, Guide, Asst Guide and Porters)
- Pre and Post Accommodation in Arusha Town
- Overnight stays in Tents
- Professional, English-Speaking Mountain Guide
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee
- All National Park Fees
- Pick up and Drop off at the Base Hotel / Lodge in Arusha Town
Excluded
- Alcohol and Soft Drinks
- Sleeping Bags (Available for Hire)
- International Flights
- Visa Fees
- Tips for the Mountain Crew
- Personal Expenditure
- Travel Insurance
Have a question before booking? Message us to learn more.
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