[smart-grid row_height=”240″ mobile_row_height=”170″ last_row=”justify” captions=”false” title=”false” share=”false”]

[/smart-grid]

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.

Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania

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.

• Hotel: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)

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.

• Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
• Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3: Simba Camp (2625m) to 2nd Cave Camp (3480m)

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.

• Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi
• Approx. time taken: 3 – 4 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 4: 2nd Cave Camp (3480m) to Kikelewa Camp (3630m)

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.

• Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi
• Approx. time taken: 3 – 4 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 5: Kikelewa Camp (3630m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)

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.

• Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
• Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

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.

• Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
• Approx. time taken: 5 – 6 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 7: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)

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.

• Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
• Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 8: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

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.

• Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
• Approx. time taken: 8 hours

Day 9

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.

What is included:

• Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
• 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi in FULL BOARD (FB). (WERUWRU RIVER LODGE OR PARK VIEW HOTEL)
• Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
• Park entry fees,
• Camping fees
• Crater fee (if any)
• Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
• 18% VAT on tour fees & services
• 4 Season mountain tents
• Double layered Sleeping Mats 4 inches (10cm) thick
• Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
• 3 meals daily while on the mountain
• Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
• Hot water for washing
• Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
• Government taxes
• Portable oxygen tanks
• Ox meter
• Emergency first-aid kit
• Stethoscope
• Portable flush toilet with a toilet and tent
• Mountain climbing certificates

What is excluded:

• Drinks at your hotel before and after the climb.
• Travel Insurance
• Flights
• Laundry (Available at the hotel)
• Personal items and toiletries
• Tips for guides, porters and cook