KILIMANJARO – RONGAI ROUTE – 7 DAYS

Starting from the north-eastern side of the mountain near the Kenyan border, the Rongai Route rises above the Amboseli plains and approach the summit of Kilimanjaro west of the Mawenzi peak. It is an unfrequented route and is also the easiest camping approach to Uhuru Peak. The descent normally uses the Marangu Route. Briefly, there are two optional variations that one may choose to attempt the Kilimanjaro trek via this route. You can choose to attempt the summit via Mawenzi Tarn Hut or via School Hut which is also referred to as the Outward Bound Hut. However, the hike via the Mawenzi Tarn Hu is longer and more popular but the most affordable in comparisons. Prior to the extra acclimatization day for the 7-day trek as recommended, the Rongai route offers a great chance for the summit success results.

Overnights on the 7-day trek via Rongai Route will be in tents.

Itinerary:

Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania – drive to Moshi

Our representatives will be waiting to meet you at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) on your arrival with our transferring driver and drive to the Hotel in Moshi for relaxation and overnight. Upon your arrival, depending on time; your trekking guide will meet you at the hotel for a short briefing concerning the trip and conduct a quick equipment check should you require and trekking gear to be borrowed as soon as possible. Your trek will commence the next day early morning for the long awaited adventure of a life time.

Day 1: Nalemuru Gate (1990m / 6529ft) to Simba Camp (2625m / 8613ft)

Our first day trek destination will be at the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone. On this day, we will drive to the Nalemuru entrance gate of the Kilimanjaro National Park towards the starting point of the magnificent Rongai route where we will have to sign in and complete the registration formalities. The first station of this trek will take us through the farmland area adjacent the forested part of the Kilimanjaro mountain. Hiking across the timberline of the pine trees and alongside the exhilarating dense rainforest zone, you may possibly be able to seize a chance to spot the amazing Blue monkeys or the unique Black and White Colobus monkeys; and if you are lucky enough in time you will be able to see the unaggressive elephants or buffalos en-route as we head towards the Simba Camp at 2625m / 8612ft elevation.

Distance: 8km / 5mi

Duration: 4 – 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Accommodation: Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on sharing basis

Day 2:  Simba Camp (2625m / 8613ft) to 2nd Cave Camp (3480m / 11418ft)

After having taken an early morning breakfast, we will depart the Simba Camp with our packed lunch box well prepared to be taken on the way at a given picnic spot. We will thence head across the outspoken breath-taking views of the Kibo plains on the eastern ice fields as we head towards the Second Cave Camp located at 3480m / 11417ft elevation. Prior to arrival at the 2^nd cave camp we will have a well prepared hot dinner followed up by an early night rest for the next day preparations.

Dsistance: 8 km / 5mi

Duration: 3 – 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation: Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on sharing basis.

Day 3: 2nd Cave Camp (3480m / 11418ft) to Kikelelwa Camp (3630m / 11910ft)

As we the pine forest behind and carry on with a steady ascent hike though moorland, we will be able to circumnavigate the superb views of the Eastern ice fields of the Kibo crater rim, the highest of the three volcanoes which forms the Kilimanjaro Mountain. We will leave behind us the main trail and strike past the moorland on a smaller path towards the Mawenzi peak, the second ice peak of the Kilimanjaro’s volcanoes. Reaching to our final destination, we will set up a camp in the sheltered valley adjacent the Kikelelwa caves.

Distance: 5km / 3.1mi

Duration: 3 – 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Accommodation: Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on sharing basis

Day 4: Kikelelwa Camp (3630m / 11910ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m / 14141ft)

On this day, we will leave the Kikelelwa camp early in the morning for a short but steep ascent alongside the grassy slopes rewarded by superb views of the Kenyan plains to the north. We will reach to the next level of the ecological zone of Mount Kilimanjaro with no vegetation cover. We will shortly reach to our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut situated below the towering cliffs of the Mawenzi peak. Depending on your physical fitness, you may take a chance to rest or explore the surrounding for acclimatization purpose.

Distance: 5km / 3mi

Duration: 3 – 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Accommodation: Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on sharing basis

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m / 14141ft) to Kibo Hut (4700m / 15420ft)

After having taken an early night rest and a well prepared breakfast, we will set off on our trek to the base camp at the Kibo Hut situated at 4700m / 15420ft. The climb will take us across the alpine desert scree slopes with no vegetation cover around us. It is a strenuous steep walk made more difficult by the challenging altitude. After arriving at the camp we will have a hot lunch and a prolonged relaxation as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is very convenient to keep hydrated and warm adhering to your professional guides’ advice. We will have an early night dinner and try to get some sleep as we will wake up between 11pm and 12pm for the summit challenge attempt.

Distance: 8km / 5mi

Duration: 5 – 6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Accommodation: Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on sharing basis

Day 6: Kibo Hut (4700m / 15420ft) to UHURU PEAK (5895m / 19341ft) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m / 12140ft)

On this day, your trekking guide will wake you up at midnight for the final stage “The Hike to the Summit”. Your final ascent to the “Uhuru Peak at 5895m / 19340ft” will start at around 00:00 am midnight which will require your full attention and will power to conquer the summit. On this night, considering all the necessary equipments for the summit trek is primarily inevitable. We will pass through the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m and climb slowly but sure “Pole pole” to reserve your energy. You will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the Kilimanjaro crater rim at sunrise, where the sun will slowly start shine. At this point, you will be able to take a few captions of the memorable eye catching sights of the sunrise rise views as the rays of the sun illuminates the early morning clouds. The heat of the sun will warm up the remaining hours of the day leaving behind the cold hours of the night. From the Gilman’s point you will take a hike of about 1 – 2 hours via the Stella Point reaching to the Uhuru Peak at 5895m / 19340ft. After taking a few pictures at the Uhuru Peak signboard, we will begin our descent by returning back to Gilman’s point via the Stella Point, descending on scree slope and track back to Kibo base camp for breakfast, before you finally descend down to Horombo Hut for a warm meal and a long well-earned rest.

Distance: 21.5km / 13.4mi

Duration: 12 – 15 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation: Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on sharing basis.

Day 7: Horombo Hut (3700m / 12140ft) to Marangu Gate (1860m / 6103ft)

On this day, we will walk through the heath and moorland zone for about 3 – 4 hours to reaching the Mandara Hut (2700m) where you will be welcomed with a warm lunch to adjust your belts. After a warm lunch and a short rest, you will find yourself in the tropical rainforest for a walk of about 2 – 3 hours to reach back to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). At the Park gate prior to receiving your Summit success achievement Certificates, you will be able to say a farewell and shake hands with your trekking team for the work well-done. Our vehicle will be waiting for you to return back to the hotel for dinner, a warm shower and relaxation, celebrating your well-earned achievements.

Distance: 20.2km / 12.6mi

Duration: 6 – 7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation: Accommodation is at the previous hotel

We pledge to provide a strict standard of service to all of our climbs

*For those having a lower budget, you can request for alternative accommodation at a lower price or no accommodation as part of the package.