The Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. Rongai Route, Mt Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking, Online Kilimanjaro booking, Mount Kilimanjaro climbing, Kilimanjaro trekking, Rongai route hiking, Africa’s highest mountain, snows of Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro wildlife.

 

Day 1: Arrival – Arusha

Boar morning shuttle bus Nairobi to Arusha with a stop at the border point Namanga for immigration formalities and arriving in Arusha in mid afternoon.Overnight at y our hotel.

 

Day 2:  Arusha  – Rongai Gate (1950m) – 1st Caves camp (2600m)

Hiking time: 5 hours | Distance: About 8 km’s | Habitat: Montane forest

After breakfast drive to  register at the Marangu park gate with a transfer (approximately 2 ½ hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through beautiful country. The first night’s camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 metres. There is a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just down the trail below First Cave, B,L,D.

 

Day 3: 1st Cave (2600m) – Kikelewa Cave (3600m)

Hiking time: 6-7 hours | Habitat: Moorlands

The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en route, and reaching Kikelewa Cave at about 3600 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find some. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves), B,L,D

 

Day 4: Kikelewa Cave (3600) – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m)

Hiking time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Moorlands

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area, B,L,D.

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Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) – Kibo hut (4700m)

Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours | Habitat: Alpine desert

Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp, B,L,D.

 

Day 6: SUMMIT ATTEMPT, Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3720m)

Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru, 6 hours to descend to Horombo | Distance: 6 km’s ascent – 21 km’s descent | Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions, B,L,D.

 

Day 7: Horombo hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m) – Moshi

Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 27 km’s

After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Arusha for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight at Keys Annex  Hotel, B,L,D.

 

Day 8: Departure

Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight back home or continue with your safari schedule. End of services.

Tour Price: US$ 1,500 per person sharing.
Extra day on the mountain: US$ 200

COST OF SAFARI

The cost of this safari will vary depending on date of travel, type of accommodation, transport mode and number of people on the safari.

Please contact us on email info@exploreafricaholidays.com or phone +254 721 255 306 or and we shall get back to you within the shortest time possible.

INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

Included in the Safari Cost

2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi or Arusha (before & after climb)
Breakfast at hotel
Group transport to and from Moshi or Arusha to the mountain trail head
Kilimanjaro National Park fees
Guides/porters
Tents, double occupancy
All meals on the mountain
Not included in price:
Airfare
Lunch or dinner at hotel
Personal gear and equipment
Tips
Costs of additional services:
Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro Airport, per way $20
Single supplement, for single tent/room, per trip $120
Private parties of two persons or less, add $300 per trip
Extra porter, per day $15
Extra hotel night, per room $75
Bottled oxygen, only for rescue/emergency use $120
Gamow bag, per trip $150
Private toilet, per trip $120
Mount Meru climb (4 days/3 nights), per person $905
Sleeping bag rental, per trip $40
Trekking poles rental, per trip $12

Excluded in the Safari Cost

Airfare
Lunch or dinner at hotel
Personal gear and equipment
Tips
Costs of additional services:
Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro Airport, per way $20
Single supplement, for single tent/room, per trip $120
Private parties of two persons or less, add $300 per trip
Extra porter, per day $15
Extra hotel night, per room $75
Bottled oxygen, only for rescue/emergency use $120
Gamow bag, per trip $150
Private toilet, per trip $120
Mount Meru climb (4 days/3 nights), per person $905
Sleeping bag rental, per trip $40
Trekking poles rental, per trip $12

End – Arusha /Moshi/Nairobi

For more information:

Please contact us on email info@exploreafricaholidays.com or phone +254 721 255 306