Rongai Route: The route ascends Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. The topography of the route does not allow for the application of the climb high and sleep low principle and hikers generally suffer more from altitude sickness on the Rongai route compared to other routes (an additional acclimatization day is highly recommended on this route). The Rongai route uses the scree summiting path from Kibo hut to Gilman’s point and descends via the Marangu route.
Day 1: Marangu – Rongai One Camp:
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Marangu National Park Gate in order to complete the necessary registration formalities before transferred to the Rongai starting point. The climb starts 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 along “cape” of white hair and a flowing whitetail. Then we take in the expansive views over the Kenyan plains as we arrive at our first campsite at Rongai One Campsite (8,500ft). It takes about 3–4 hours walking.
Day 2: Rongai Second Cave:
After breakfast, the morning walk is a ready ascent up to the Second Cave (11,300) with superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice-fields 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 which is decorated with Giant Scenarios near Kikelelwa Caves (11,800 ft). It takes about 6–7 hours.
Day 3: Mawenzi Tarn Hut:
A short but steep climb 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 Hut (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. It takes about 3–4 hours walking.
Day 4: Kibo Hut:
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. It takes about 5–6 hours walking
Day 5: Summit Day – Horombo Hut:
We start the final and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around 1:00 am. 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 Peak. 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 Hut (12,200 ft). It takes about 11–15 hours walking.
Day 6: Marangu Gate – Back to Moshi/Arusha:
After breakfast, a steady descent takes you down through moorland to Mandara Hut (8,900 ft). We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Marangu (6,000 ft) where you will meet your driver and he will drive to Moshi or Arusha town and drop off at your Lodge/Hotel.
Price Includes:
All Park entry fees
Rescue fees/Hut fees
Camping fees
Pick up from the Airport
Guide/assistant guide/Porters
Overnight at the Huts/camps per the tour plan
Meals as per the above itinerary prepared by our chef
Park commission fees
Transport to and from the gate
1-night free Hotel accommodation on your arrival in Moshi/Arusha with bed & breakfast
Tent/Sleeping mats/Sleeping bags/chairs & table.
Price not includes:
International flights
Domestic flight
Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, and insurance
Tips for staff such as guides/Chefs & porters.
Expenses of personal nature (like souvenirs)
Climbing gears (We have for rent)
“Due to COVID 19 restrictions on travel around the world, it is free to postpone your travel up to 1 year after the original travel date”
