Tour Overview:

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches 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, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly ecommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. Descent is made via the Marangu route.
The Guide Safaris offers Rongai as a seven day group climb or a six or seven private climb. The six day variation does not have an acclimatization day on day four at Mawenzi Tarn.

DAY 1

Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave

Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.

 

DAY 2

Rongai Cave to to Second Cave

Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath

Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath

We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.

 

DAY 3

Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.

 

DAY 4

Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge

Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft -14,400 ft
Distance: 2 km/1 mile
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn
Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft -14,160 ft
Distance: 2 km/1 mile
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.

 

DAY 5

Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

 

DAY 6

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

 

DAY 7

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

 

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.
Budget Camping safari
Group Size Price per person per day
1 person USD 285/person
2- 4 person USD 265/person
5- 7 people USD 245/person
8 -10 people USD 220/person
11+ people USD 205/person
Luxury tented Camps & Lodge safari
Group Size Price per person per day
1 person USD 475/person
2- 4 person USD 465/person
5- 7 people USD 425/person
8 -10 people USD 415person
11+ people USD 405/person

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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