Tour Overview:

The Rongai route ascends Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.
The topography of the route does not allow for the application of the climb high and sleep low principle and hikers generally suffer more from altitude sickness on the Rongai route compared to other routes (an additional acclimatization day is highly recommended on this route). The Rongai route use the scree summiting path from Kibo hut to Gilman’s point and descend via the Marangu route.

DAY 1

Rongai Start Point to Simba camp

Hiking time: 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 6.7 km
Habitat: Forest (Montane)

Depart from Moshi town and drive 45 minutes to the Marangu park gate for registration. From Marangu park gate we travel to Naro Moru, north east Kilimanjaro, a further 68km and approximately 2 ½ hours on bad roads to the Rongai start point (1996m). Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through a beautiful country side. The first night’s camp is at Simba Camp (2 626m). The camp facilities include a public toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut.

 

DAY 2

Simba camp to Kikelewa Camp

Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 11.8 km
Habitat: Moorlands

We hike from Simba camp up towards Kibo till 3 482m for lunch at First Caves, a distance of 5.8km. After lunch we continue trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3679 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water can be found in a obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelewa camp.

 

DAY 3

Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn camp

Hiking time: 3 hours
Distance: Approximately 3.7 km
Habitat: Moorlands

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.

 

DAY 4

Mawenzi Tarn camp to Kibo hut

Hiking time: 5 hours
Distance: Approximately 9 km
Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast we head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo hut.

 

DAY 5

Kibo hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo hut

Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo
Distance: Approximately 5.4km ascent and 15 km descent

Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit

You will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot.
The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.

Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it

Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest at Kibo hot, you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

 

DAY 6

Horombo hut to Marangu Gate

Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 19.7 km
Habitat: Moorland & Montane Forest

After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. Click here for more info on tips.
At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates.
You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed and celebrations!!

 

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE PACKAGE

  • Portable toilet tent
  • 2 Night Hotel accommodation in Moshi, a day before trek and a day after trek
  • Transportation to and from your selected route
  • Transfer from Airport/Bus station in Moshi on arrival and return to airport/Bus station after climb.
  • Quality, Waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tent
  • Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
  • Certified, experienced, English speaking mountain guides:
  • All Tanzanian National Park Fees
  • Government Climbing Taxes
  • Climbing permits
  • All hot Meals prepared by our cook while on Mountain
  • Guides, Porters and Cook Salaries
  • Fair and ethical treatment of Porters
  • Enough porters to carry your luggage
  • Safety Equipment:
  • Emergency Oxygen
  • Pulse Ox meter
  • Hot drinks at every meal
  • Water provided on climb, mineral water for the first day and boiled water every day
  • Emergency rescue fees
  • Personal Summit Certificate signed by the National Park and your Guide

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

– Personal items and toiletries

– Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain

Tipping on Kilimanjaro from the trekking group (not per climber):

  • Guides: $20/day/guide
  • Cook: $15/day
  • Porter: $10/day/porter
  • N/B: Our Guides, cooks and Porters are always satisfied with your thanks giving (tip) you have and not beyond your ability.
  • International airfares and departure taxes
  • All items of person nature such as telephone call, fax, email etc
  • Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks
  • Laundry services
  • Visa and International flight tickets fees.

The journey from the national park gate at 1,900 meters to the Uhuru Peak is like traveling from the equator to Antarctica in a matter of days. You will cross different ecological zones, each subject to a corresponding decrease in rainfall, temperature and life as the altitude increases. There are different routes to the peak. The most famous ones are Marangu, Machame and Rongai. Depending on the route, it will take you at minimum 3 days to reach the peak and another two back down again.

It is a great once in a lifetime journey. You will have your personal guide and a number of porters to help you carry the equipment and food. Our excellent cooks will prepare your fresh and varying meals along the way. At Marangu route you will spend the nights in solid huts. For all other routes we will provide modern tents.

We will not fool you. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a tough undertaking. Throughout the climb, temperatures vary considerably with the altitude and time of day. It’s an unforgettable adventure with rain, sun, snow, ice and winds. If you are not used to high altitudes you should take it slow and plan an extra days or do a Mount Meru climb before the trip to Mount Kilimanjaro.

Book This Tour

The journey from the national park gate at 1,900 meters to the Uhuru Peak is like traveling from the equator to Antarctica in a matter of days. You will cross different ecological zones, each subject to a corresponding decrease in rainfall, temperature and life as the altitude increases. There are different routes to the peak. The most famous ones are Marangu, Machame and Rongai. Depending on the route, it will take you at minimum 3 days to reach the peak and another two back down again.

It is a great once in a lifetime journey. You will have your personal guide and a number of porters to help you carry the equipment and food. Our excellent cooks will prepare your fresh and varying meals along the way. At Marangu route you will spend the nights in solid huts. For all other routes we will provide modern tents.

We will not fool you. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a tough undertaking. Throughout the climb, temperatures vary considerably with the altitude and time of day. It’s an unforgettable adventure with rain, sun, snow, ice and winds. If you are not used to high altitudes you should take it slow and plan an extra days or do a Mount Meru climb before the trip to Mount Kilimanjaro.

Book This Tour

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