The Rongai Route is the only trail that starts from the Northern part side of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Despite some claims that this route begins on the “Kenyan side” of Mount Kilimanjaro, the whole of Africa’s highest mountain is within the borders of Tanzania. The start of the Rongai route is closer to the Kenyan border than other routes, but the entire trek takes place exclusively in Tanzania.
Because of its remote location, the route receives the least traffic of all the routes on Kilimanjaro and offers trekkers a relatively unspoiled wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephants, and buffalo.
The North-East side of the mountain gets significantly less moisture than the southern slopes which means that trekkers are less likely to encounter rain. Trekkers are also more likely to get clear, unclouded views of the mountain.
The Rongai Route is flatter than the other Kilimanjaro routes but because of its profile, it does not offer trekkers good options to climb high and sleep low.
It can be hiked on a six, seven, or even eight-day route. The seven or eight-day Rongai Routes are highly recommended as trekkers have extra days to acclimatize. Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep and follows the same path taken by Marangu trekkers which passes Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. Then descends via the Marangu trail.
Tour Highlights
Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Lemosho Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Map)
Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, cold weather jacket, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on Bed and Breakfast at 3 stars hotel (upgrades on request).
Customizations: Can be customized upon request, to meet traveller’s needs
Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request.
Trip Availability: All year round.
Trip Highlights
Arrival
Day 1: Rongai Gate – Rongai Caves Camp
Day 2: Second Caves Camp – Kikelewa Cave
Day 3: Kikelewa Cave – Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Mawenzi Ridge
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut
Day 6: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
Day 7: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate
Departure
Itinerary
Arrival Day :
Arrive in Moshi, Kilimanjaro
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet our representative, and transfer to your hotel in Moshi town. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a classic stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our guides, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
One Night Hotel Accommodation at Bristol Cottages in Moshi before the hike.
Day 1 :
Rongai Gate – Rongai Caves Camp
We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for obtaining the permits required for the summit and then take a short road trip to the Rongai Gate trailhead. We’ll come across numerous corn and potato fields and climb gently through the forest areas which accommodate a variety of wildlife which also includes the black and white colobus monkeys.
High Altitude Mountain Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro
Day 2 :
Second Caves Camp – Kikelewa Cave
The day will begin with a morning trek where we’ll steadily incline up to the Second Cave. Continuing on with the trek, we pass through the moorland toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi leaving the main trail behind. Kikelewa Camp will be our destination for the day where we’ll be spending our night.
High Altitude Mountain Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro
Day 3 :
Kikelewa Cave – Mawenzi Tarn Camp
The hike today will be short and steep but along a grassy slope. It is surrounded by a vast wilderness area, and as we exit it, we enter the Alpine Desert zone and the landscape contrastingly alters. The campsites will be at the jagged areas of Mawenzi, Mawenzi Tarn to be precise. You’ll spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the surrounding area.
High Altitude Mountain Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro
Day 4 :
Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Mawenzi Ridge
You’ll be spending the entire day hiking at the Mawenzi Ridge which offer landscapes of Kibo and Mawenzi. This extra day is meant for acclimatization. After exploring the area to the fullest, we’ll then head back to Mawenzi Tarn to prepare our camp.
High Altitude Mountain Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro
Day 5 :
Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut
Our camp, known as Kibo Hut, will be at the bottom of the Kibo Crater Wall. Once at the hut, we relax for the rest of the day and prepare for the upcoming summit day.
High Altitude Mountain Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro
Day 6 :
Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
Just past midnight, we’ll begin our summit to the top. This is considered the most challenging part of the journey when the wind and cold can be extreme at any period of the day. With short and frequent breaks, we ascend in the darkness. Once reaching at the Stella Point which is at an elevation of 18,900 ft, you’ll be rewarded with one of the stunning view of the sunrise coming over the Mawenzi Peak. Then we ascend all the way to the roof of Africa and highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, the Uhuru Peak. After celebration of your accomplishment at the peak, we descend down to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we’ll be having our last dinner in the mountain and we’ll then go to sleep.
High Altitude Mountain Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro
Day 7 :
Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate
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. Youth Adventures vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
High Altitude Mountain Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro
Departure :
Departure
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.
Breakfast
Includes/Excludes
Trip Cost Includes
Two way private airport transfers
All park fees collected by the National Park
Hotel ccommodations one night before and one night after the expedition
Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
All meals on the hike
All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
Complete Expedition medical kits
Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park
Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
Government taxes
Crew salaries
Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
Purified water while on the mountain
Portable tented private flush toilet
Trip Cost Excludes
Personal Climbing gears
Tanzania Visa on arrival
Mountaineering Insurance
Tips and Gratuities
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Costs
Number of People
Cost Per Person in US($) Standard Package
1 Person
$ 2,600
2 people
$ 2,100
3 people
$ 2,050
4 people
$ 2,000
5 people
$ 1,980
6 people
$ 1,960
7 people
$ 1,940
8 people
$ 1,920
9 people
$ 1,900
10 People +
$ 1,880
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed anytime throughout the year. Most travelers prefer climbing during the dry seasons: December to March, June to October. Many consider the best months to climb Kilimanjaro to be January, February, and September.
Who are your operators in Tanzania?
We are. We are not agents for anybody, but run the treks ourselves through our own Tanzanian company. So you can rest assured that whoever you speak to in our company has climbed Kilimanjaro – and probably many times.
How long is the hike?
There are at least six routes to the top, Uhuru peak. You will hike between 53 and 73km depending on which route you choose. The shortest and toughest is the 5-day Umbwe route. Allowing extra days will help you to acclimatize better and improve your chances of reaching the summit. The easiest and most popular route is Marangu (which can be done in five), but we use six days for this route.
What kind of experience do I need?
None, but previous hiking or climbing experience will help. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy it.
Do you offer private and fully customizable climbs for Kilimanjaro
Your Kilimanjaro dream climb is entirely your own to design. We will work with you to customize exactly the triumphant Tanzanian mountainous quest experience you want. You go with the people you choose. You leave on whatever day you wish. You decide on your preferred route option, pace, and the number of days you will take.
How many hours will I trek each day?
On most routes, you’ll trek 4-7 hours most days. On certain routes you’ll trek as many as 10-15 hours on the longest days.
Will I see wildlife?
Prior to the climb, you’ll enjoy an acclimatization day with wildlife viewing and nature walks. Trekking through the rain forest, you’re likely to spot black-and-white Colobus monkeys, tropical birds and more.
What kind of food will I eat?
Highly-trained chefs prepare three hot nutritious meals daily, as well as trail snacks and afternoon tea each day. You’ll eat all your meals in a solar-lit dining tent with your fellow trekkers and head guide. Delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other specialty meals can be provided (with advance request). We’re happy to send you a sample menu—just ask!
What are the Kilimanjaro accommodations like?
Your mountain camps are set up and broken down each day by expert camp porters. You’ll stay in double occupancy all-weather tents with full-ground pads to keep you and your gear dry. Private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing are provided in every camp. Grand Traverse treks include upgraded solar-lit walk-in-height sleeping tents with mountaineering beds and mattresses for additional comfort.
Who are your operators in Tanzania?
We are. We are not agents for anybody, but run the treks ourselves through our own registered Tanzanian local company.
Do you arrange airport pick up & Drop off?
Yes, we do arrange this. Please send your request to Safari.
What travel documents do I need?
You will need a passport that is valid at least six months beyond your dates of travel with an entry or re-entry visa, duly endorsed.
Where is Kilimanjaro?
The mountain is in Tanzania, East Africa, about 350km from the equator. The nearest towns are Moshi and Arusha.
How high is Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest point is Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater at 5895m above sea level.
Do we tip the hiking crew?
Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the number of days, but can range from $150 and $350 per hiker. Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew.
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