Rongai Route Trekking

7 days, Rongai Route: Summit Kilimanjaro! Epic trek, stunning vistas, and triumph await. Unleash the adventurer in you!

From

$2160 USD

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Safari summary

Explore the unique Rongai Route, acclaimed for its scenic beauty and high success rate. Unlike Marangu, sleep in tents, with porters handling setup. Starting on the north side near the Kenyan border, this less-traveled route merges with Marangu for the summit ascent. Descend on Marangu's southeast side for diverse Kilimanjaro views.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	Hiking \| trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
All drinks
Meals
Park fees

What’s not included?

Hot air balloons
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Private vehicle and driver
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Arrival

Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the Charity Hotel or similar hotel in Arusha or Moshi for your overnight Dinner and Breakfast Included.

The Charity Hotel

Rongai Gate

Kilimanjaro

Commence your day early with breakfast, proceeding to Rongai gate via a scenic route through maize and potato fields. The ascent from Nale Moru gate (2,150 m) begins with porter preparations. The trail gently ascends through a charming pine forest, home to diverse wildlife, including the elegant Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. As the forest thins, the initial camp emerges at the moorland's edge (2,600 m), offering panoramic views of the Kenyan plains. Walk duration: 1h30-2h30.

Simba Camp

Second Cave

Kilimanjaro

Ascend steadily to the Second Cave for lunch. Deviate from the main trail after the Second Cave, traverse the moorland on a narrower path towards Mawenzi's rugged peaks. After an additional 10 km, arrive at Kikelewa Camp nestled in a protected valley with towering Senecios and close to the Kikelewa Cave.

Kikelewa Camp

Mawenzi Tarn

Kilimanjaro

Embark on a brief, steep ascent up grassy slopes, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a palpable feeling of untouched wilderness. Once vegetation is left behind, you'll arrive at Mawenzi Tarn, nestled in a stunning cirque beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Following this brisk hike, you have the opportunity to explore this captivating area during the afternoon.

Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Acclimatization at Mawenzi Tarn

Kilimanjaro

An additional day on the mountain grants you a two-night stay at Mawenzi Tarn. Utilize this time for a rewarding acclimatization hike to the splendid Mawenzi.

Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Kibo Hut

Kilimanjaro

Traverse the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, reaching the Kibo Huts at the base of Kibo's crater wall. Allocate the rest of the day for relaxation and readying yourself for the impending summit ascent.

Kibo Camp

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Rise at midnight, grab a quick breakfast, and gear up for the summit. Start the climb by 1 AM, navigating steep scree or snow to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m/18,640 ft. Another two hours lead to Uhuru Peak by 9 AM. Descend to Kibo Huts for lunch, rest, then cross to Horombo Huts. End the day with dinner and much-needed sleep. The initial climb is in the dark, so layer up for the cold. Persevere with a "pole pole" approach for success!

Horombo Huts

Final lap

Kilimanjaro

Wake, as usual, pack, and descend through the moorland to the Mandara Huts. Have lunch there then continue your triumphant recessional down through lush forest to the park gate, which you should reach around 2 or 3 PM. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here.

The Charity Hotel or similar

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