RONGAI ROUTE OVERVIEW

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border.Although gaining in popularity, the Rongai route has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route. It also lends itself to a more remote hike and for those climbing during the rainy season, the north receives less precipitation. The minimum number of days required for this route is six and seven is recommended. The scenery is not as varied as the western routes, but you will be passing through true wilderness areas before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. Rongai is a moderately difficult route and is recommended for those with less backpacking experience.

WHY 6 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE

DAY 0:Arrival
You will be met at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and be driven to your hotel in Moshi. Your mountain guide will give you a briefing of your upcoming climb while at your hotel.
DAY 1: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)
-- Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
-- Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
-- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

You will begin your adventure with a drive to the village of Nale Moru where your trek will commence through farmland and pine forests. There will be opportunities to see Colobus monkeys, elephants and buffal along the way. The first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at an elevation of 2,625 meters.
DAY 2: Simba Camp (2625m) to 2nd Cave Camp (3480m) TO Kikelewa Camp (3630m)
--Distance covered: 10km / 6.1mi.
-- Approx. time taken: 6 – 7 hours.
-- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Your morning hike will be a steady ascent to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone. You will be treated to superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
As you continue through the moorland zone terrain, you will have a steady ascent and superb views of the eastern ice fields on the crater rim of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanoes which form the mountain. Leaving the main trail, you will strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the second of Kilimanjaro’s volcanoes. Camp will be in the sheltered valley near Kikelewa caves at 3,630 meters.
DAY 3: Kikelewa Camp (3630m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

The trek this morning will be a short steep ascent on grassy slopes. You will be rewarded with a superb view of the Kenyan plains to the north. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut directly below the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. In the afternoon you will have an opportunity to rest or to explore the surrounding area as an aid to your acclimatization.
DAY 4:Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
--Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
--Approx. time taken: 5 – 6 hours
--Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

You will begin your trek by crossing the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo. As you hike, you will have spectacular views of the summit of Kilimanjaro as the trail to the high camp is stretched out before you. As you reach camp the remainder of the day can be spent resting to prepare for your summit night trek.
DAY 5: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)
-- Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
-- Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
-- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
-- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included --

Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage! Your final ascent will be long and strenuous and will begin at midnight. Passing the Hans Meyer cave at 5,220 meters, the climb slowly moves up. At sunrise you will reach Gillman’s Point at 5,682 meters. This is the crater rim of Kilimanjaro where the sun will slowly warm your trekking world. The hike will continue one to two hours as you reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a one to two-hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
DAY 6: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
--Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
--Approx. time taken: 8 hours
-- Habitat: Forest

As you trek down you will pass through the heath and moorland zone to the Mandara Hut at 2,700 meters. There, a warm lunch will be ready for you. The hike will continue through the rainforest as you reach the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at 1,860 meters. Here you will receive your appropriate summit certificate. You will then be driven back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower and celebrate with cold drinks.
DAY 7: Depart Tanzania
This day will have an open agenda. You may want to simply wind down at the hotel or spend some time exploring Moshi before heading to the airport. As well, you may want to add a safari or a trip to Zanzibar on to your African adventure.
GROUP SIZE AMOUNT(US DOLLAR)
1 Person $1850
2-4 People $1750
5-7 People $1700
8-10 People $1650

PRICE INCLUDES

Transfers:

Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation in Moshi; Return transfer from accommodation in Moshi to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park.

Entry fees:

Park Fees: all park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others).

Accommodation:

Accommodation at hotel one night before and one night after the expedition. You will have all for a comfortable stay - friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool;
Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern comfortable 4-season );
Please note: by default, you will share a room and a tent with your travel companion. If you travel solo on a group expedition, we will room you with a same-sex participant. Single supplement is available upon request.

Meals:

Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
All meals on the hike. You will find delicious energy-rich meals on our mountain menus. Our professional chefs will prepare assorted soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;
All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).

Hiking and safety equipment:

Comfortable sleeping mats;
All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);
Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
Complete medical kits including Diamox.
Private portable Toilet.

Climbing crew:

Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holder of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 7+years of successful experience;
Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

Taxes:

18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy.

PRICE EXCLUDE

International flights;
Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);
Personal gear rentals;
Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb);

MAP OF RONGAI ROUTE