Kilimanjaro Rongai Route

7 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Climbing Route

$2200-2489 USD

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Safari summary

Embark on an unforgettable 7-day adventure with Moonlight Tours Expedition on the Rongai Route of Mount Kilimanjaro, renowned for its relatively gentle ascent and high success rate. Starting from the northern side, just south of the Kenyan border, the Rongai Route offers a serene experience as one of the least trafficked paths. This allows climbers to witness the mountain from various angles, with breathtaking panoramic views.
Your journey begins with a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Moshi, passing through charming villages and lush coffee plantations. You’ll also make a brief stop in Marangu to register your climbing permits before setting off. The descent follows the Marangu Route on the southern side, giving you the opportunity to experience a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems.
For those traveling from Kenya, the Rongai Route is conveniently accessible from Amboseli National Park, just a 2-hour drive, including the border crossing. To streamline the process, we will require copies of passports ahead of time.
This route offers a memorable climb with exceptional vistas, ideal for those seeking a less-crowded Kilimanjaro experience. Join us on this incredible journey and conquer the Roof of Africa with Moonlight Tours Expedition!

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Hiking \| trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Bird watching—with professional guide
Photography safari—with professional guide
Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
All drinks
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
Hot air balloons
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Hike to Simba Camp

Kilimanjaro

Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru.After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Simba Camp

Second Cave

Kilimanjaro

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Second Camp

Kikelewa Camp

Kilimanjaro

Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby

Kikelewa Camp

Mawenzi Tarn

Kilimanjaro

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike

Tarn Hut - Camp

Kibo Hut

Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early.

Kibo Hut - Camp

Horombo Hut

Kilimanjaro

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

Horombo Hut - Camp

Hike Horombo Hut to trail head.

Kilimanjaro

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Moonlight Tours Expedition vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha (about 3 hour).

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