8 Day Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Trek
What your day looks like
The Rongai route begins on the northern side of the mountain and is the least travelled route. It is a long drive to the starting point but you are rewarded by fantastic views and the likelihood that you will be the only climbers around. If you take this route up the mountain you are obliged to descend via the Marangu Route that is the most popular and well-used route. Stay in tents.
The experience, in brief
- You will meet your guides, porters & prepare your equipment for the climb
- Spot a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey
- A different but interesting smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi
- Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo
- Rewarded by fantastic views & the likelihood that you will be the only climbers around
Your day, step by step
Moshi
Welcome to Tanzania! Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, pick up and transferred to the Springlands Hotel or similar.
Moshi
Springlands Hotel or similar for overnight.
Moshi
Eco Tour at Mount Kilimanjaro. Simba Camp You will meet your guides and porters and prepare your equipment before departing to Rongai Route. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of NaleMoru on a small path that winds through crop fields before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. 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.
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Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner will be available.
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Overnight 1st Simba Camp 2600m.
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Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Second Cave 3400m The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave 3400m, with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves (3,600m).
Moshi
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner will be available.
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Overnight at 2nd Caves Campsite.
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Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Mawenzi Turn Camp A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn 4150m, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.
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Leisure. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
Moshi
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner will be available.
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Overnight at Mawenzi Turn Camp.
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Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Before the ascent to the summit 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.
Moshi
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner will be available.
Moshi
Accommodation included.
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Climb to the Summit Wake at around midnight, and then prepare for the summit ascent. This part of the hike is carried out during the early morning before dawn so that the climbers reach Uhuru Peak at around sunrise. Leave at about 1:00am and reach Gilman’s Point 5685m, at about 7:00am. The climbers are met with views of the crater from Gilman’s Point because it is on the Crater Rim. Another 2 hours of hiking brings the climber to Uhuru Peak, the summit. From there you will descend back to Kibo Hut, collect your things and cross the saddle again at Horombo Hut where you will spend the night. Enjoy dinner and get some well-deserved sleep. You do the beginning of this climb in the dark with headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is, by far, the most difficult part of the trek. Slowly slowly, or, “pole pole,” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Moshi
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
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Accommodation included.
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Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Final Descent Wake as usual, pack and descend to Mandara Hut 2720m. Continue on to the park gate where you will be met by your transport back to Moshi.
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Continue on to the park gate where you will be met by your transport back to Moshi. Tips is recommended and highly appreciated and can be given to the Guide at Springlands Hotel. This is also where successful climbers receive their summitcertificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates.
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Overnight in Springlands hotel.
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Thank you for visiting! Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your departure flight back home. We are happy you came and hope to see you again soon!
What to know before booking
Included
Two nights accommodation at the Springlands Hotel in Moshi double or triple occupancy (before and after the climb) Qualified guides with mountain crew National park fees Hut/camping fees and tents Tents foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and (Cutlery / Crockery) eating utensils. Rescue fees (required by the National Park) Pulse oximeters First aid kit Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries Airport transfers (JRO - Kilimanjaro International Airports) Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain
Not Included
Single rooms supplement at Springlands Hotel (except on the 1 person rate) Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips Meals and drinks not specified Mountain equipment (eg sleeping bags) Gear for your climb, Some equipment is available for rent. See our rental price list Car Supplement USD$145 per car for clients who go through Lemosho/Rongai/Shira Routes Items of personal nature (expenses) Emergency Oxygen Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included Extra activities (waterfall tour, cultural village visit) Visa fees & travel insurance Flight tickets
What to Bring
Comfortable clothing and footwear Camera and other personal belongings
Meeting & Pickup
Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, pick up and transferred to the Springlands Hotel or similar.
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business