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Moshi · Kilimanjaro Region · Tanzania
7-Day Private Kilimanjaro Climb Via Rongai Route
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From $2,957.15 per person
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The Experience
What your day looks like
Lying in the rain shadow of Kilimanjaro, the Rongai route is one of the best routes to make the attempt on Kilimanjaro during the rainy season, as it sees substantially less rain than the southern routes. Starting from the Rongai gate, the route traverses several diverse climate zones, and each produces its own amazing views and experiences. Throughout the early trek, Kilimanjaro looms overhead dramatically and at higher altitudes, you are rewarded with incredible sights finally ending with the 360-degree view from the top of Uhuru Peak. As the descent is along the more heavily travelled Marangu route this trek offers you the chance to see Mount Kilimanjaro from both sides, and to experience nearly everything this unique and beautiful region has to offer.
Highlights
Why travelers choose this experience
- Rongai Route ideal during Kilimanjaro’s rainy season climbs
- Begins in dry north, away from heavier southern rains
- Crosses diverse climate zones with everchanging scenic views
- Kilimanjaro dominates the skyline throughout the early trek
- Summit rewards with breathtaking 360degree views from Uhuru Peak
- Descend via Marangu Route for full mountain experience
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
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Pick up from your hotel drive for two hours and a half to Marangu park gate for formalities registration after that transfer to the Rongai trailhead in about 3hours.
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Hiking. Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village.
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Eco Tour. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering the 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.
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The first night’s camp is at Simba camp, at about 2,600 meters. There are toilets and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just down the trail below samba camp.
Day 2
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Hiking. 2. Simba Camp to Second Cave Hiking Time 2 – 3hours Habitat: Moorland Late Breakfast, enjoy the morning at Simba camp proceed with the hiking very slowly acclimatize your body until you reach Second cave (3450M ) for hot lunch.
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Relaxation & Fun. Afternoon relaxes at the second cave with dinner and overnight.
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Overnight at Second cave
Day 3
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Hiking. 3. Second Tarn Cave (2600m) – Kikelewa Cave (3600m). Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours. Habitat: Moorlands. After breakfast then continues up towards Kibo, reaching Kikelwa Caveat about 3600 meters. 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).
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Overnight at Kikelewa cave
Day 4
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Hiking. 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.
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Sightseeing. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
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Overnight at Mawenzi tarn Camp
Day 5
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Hiking at Mawenzi. 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.
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Overnight at Kibo Camp.
Day 6
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Hiking. 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 wake up around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. This is where the going gets tough.
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Sightseeing. 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.
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Sightseeing. 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. From Gillman’s Point, you will normally encounter snow up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.
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Nature Walks. 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 for a short rest ten after you descent to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The descent to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around almost 14 hours, Later in the evening, you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and well-earned sleep.
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Overnight at Horombo Camps
Day 7
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Hiking. 7. Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m). Hiking Time: 6 hours. Distance: About 27 Km. 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.
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Sightseeing. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates.
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You now drive back to Arusha or Moshi where your trekking tour ends with sweet memories.
Planning Details
Before you go
Included
All Fees and Taxes Return transfers Kilimanjaro airport to Moshi and Moshi to Kilimanjaro airport Hotel the night before and the night after the climb, with breakfast included Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summit aid) & Basic first aid kit Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters, and cook + their wages Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs, tables & sleeping mattresses) Fresh Water for drinking & Hot water for a wash daily
Not Included
Visas & Flights Travel & Health Insurances (Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory) Gratuities Items of Personal Nature Personal hiking/trekking gear–you opt to rent the gears from equipment stores in Moshi Optional but highly recommended Portable toilet Personal medicine and water purifying tablets Meals & drinks not specified and snacks
What to Bring
Passport required
Restrictions
Not stroller accessible Not suitable for pets No public transportation nearby Infants must not sit on laps Infant seats are unavailable Not recommended for pregnant travelers Not recommended for people with heart conditions
Meeting & Pickup
Moshi Urban - Moshi Urban, Kilimanjaro Region.
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 1 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business
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