8 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Route

PRICE: FROM $3,200

Overview

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes.

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Itinerary

The tour starts from: Moshi Town/Arusha

The tour ends in: Moshi Town/Arusha

Tour Style: Group/Private trekking  

Departure day: Every day of the week

Optimal Season: Dry season

Best time to travel: January, February, June to October every year

The vehicle used on transfers: Shuttle bus for big groups of climbers and Min van 4WD for small groups 

Duration of the trekking: 8 days

Accommodation:  included in the tour cost.

Day 1: Arrive in Moshi/Arusha town

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), your driver guide will pick you up and drive you to Moshi or Arusha for your overnight at your booked hotel for resting and preparing for your Safari. We will gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.

 

Day 2: Rongai Simba Camp (Full board).

We take a ride to Marangu to complete the necessary registration formalities, before transferring by SUV to Rongai. The climb begins from Nale Moru (6,400 ft) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering a pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out at the edge of the moorland zone. Then, we take in the expansive views over the Kenyan plains as we arrive at our first campsite Rongai One Camp (8,500 ft). [3-4 hours walking]

 

Day 3: Rongai Second Cave (Full board).

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (11,300 ft) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out and head southeast across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley, decorated with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (11,800 ft). [6-7 hours walking]

 

Day 4: Rongai Kikelelwa Cave (Full board).

A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (14,200 ft), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. [3-4 hours walking]

 

Day 5: Mawenzi Turn (Full board).

We have an additional day to acclimatize. We explore the area with a walk up onto the Saddle towards Camel’s Back. We return to camp at Mawenzi Tarn (14,200 ft). [2-3 hours walking]

 

Day 6: Mawenzi Turn to Kibo Hut (Full board).

We cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) at the bottom of the crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for an early morning final ascent. [5-6 hours walking]

 

Day 7: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horrombo Hut (Full board).

We start the final and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (18,600 ft). We rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshments, we continue the descent to Horombo Huts (12,200 ft). [11-15 hours walking]

 

 

Day 8: Horrombo Hut (Full board).

A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Huts (8,900 ft). We then continue descending through the lovely lush forest on a good path to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Marangu (6,000 ft), where we are transferred back to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort in Marangu. [5-6 hours walking]

 

Departure Day

After saying bye to our team in operation then you need a private departure transfer which is included to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight back home.

END OF OUR TREKKING SERVICES

Price Includes

  • Airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro airport
  • Accommodations and meals as per itinerary
  • All national park entry fees
  • Inclusive service of a professional driver and guide
  • Food, drinking water
  • All game drives with four-wheel drive Toyota land cruisers open sides guarantee each person to have a window

  Not included:    

  • International airfare, 
  • Alcohol
  • All items of person nature
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa and visa fees
  • Airport departure taxes
  • Laundry will be an extra fee
  • Tip for your professional tour driver guide

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