Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days
Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days
Price
Overview
The Rongai Route is the only trail that starts from the Northern part side of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Despite some claims that this route begins on the “Kenyan side” of Mount Kilimanjaro, the whole of Africa’s highest mountain is within the borders of Tanzania. The start of the Rongai route is closer to the Kenyan border than other routes, but the entire trek takes place exclusively in Tanzania.
Because of its remote location, the route receives the least traffic of all the routes on Kilimanjaro and offers trekkers a relatively unspoiled wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephants, and buffalo.
The North-East side of the mountain gets significantly less moisture than the southern slopes which means that trekkers are less likely to encounter rain. Trekkers are also more likely to get clear, unclouded views of the mountain.
The Rongai Route is flatter than the other Kilimanjaro routes but because of its profile, it does not offer trekkers good options to climb high and sleep low.
It can be hiked on a six, seven, or even eight-day route. The seven or eight-day Rongai Routes are highly recommended as trekkers have extra days to acclimatize. Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep and follows the same path taken by Marangu trekkers which passes Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. Then descends via the Marangu trail.
Highlights:
- Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Lemosho Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Maps)
- Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
- Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
- Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, cold weather jacket, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
- Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on Bed and Breakfast at 3 stars hotel (upgrades on request).
- Customizations: Can be customized upon request, to meet traveler’s needs
- Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request
- Season: All year round
- Suitable for: Moderate fitness with previous trekking experience ideal
- Pros: It’s less crowded, recommended during the rainy season, has an incredible view of the mountain throughout the hike by descending via Marangu for a diverse trek, high chances of spotting wildlife, and easy daily hikes.
- Cons: Not ideal for acclimatization, due to overnight camp placements, some find summiting through Kibo Hut camp harder than through Barafu
Departures everyday
Costs Includeds/Excludes
- Two way private airport transfers
- All park fees collected by the National Park
- Hotel ccommodations one night before and one night after the expedition
- Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
- All meals on the hike
- All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
- Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
- Complete Expedition medical kits
- Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park
- Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
- Government taxes
- Crew salaries
- Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
- Purified water while on the mountain
- Portable tented private flush toilet
- Personal Climbing gears
- Tanzania Visa on arrival
- Mountaineering Insurance
- Tips and Gratuities
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Day 1 Arrival in Tanzania
On your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport a member of our staff will be at holding a Nihapa Tours placard. You will then be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 Rongai Gate – Rongai Caves Camp
We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for obtaining the permits required for the summit and then take a short road trip to the Rongai Gate trailhead. We’ll come across numerous corn and potato fields and climb gently through the forest areas which accommodate a variety of wildlife which also includes the black and white colobus monkeys.
Day 3 Second Caves Camp – Kikelewa Cave
The day will begin with a morning trek where we’ll steadily incline up to the Second Cave. Continuing on with the trek, we pass through the moorland toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi leaving the main trail behind. Kikelewa Camp will be our destination for the day where we’ll be spending our night.
- Rongai Cave to Second Cave
- Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
- Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Day 4 Kikelewa Cave – Mawenzi Tarn Camp
The hike today will be short and steep but along a grassy slope. It is surrounded by a vast wilderness area, and as we exit it, we enter the Alpine Desert zone and the landscape contrastingly alters. The campsites will be in the jagged areas of Mawenzi, Mawenzi Tarn to be precise. You’ll spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the surrounding area.
- Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
- Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
- Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5 Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Mawenzi Ridge
You’ll be spending the entire day hiking at the Mawenzi Ridge which offers landscapes of Kibo and Mawenzi. This extra day is meant for acclimatization. After exploring the area to the fullest, we’ll then head back to Mawenzi Tarn to prepare our camp.
- Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
- Elevation: 14,160 ft -14,400 ft
- Distance: 2 km/1 mile
- Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6 Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut
Our camp, known as Kibo Hut, will be at the bottom of the Kibo Crater Wall. Once at the hut, we relax for the rest of the day and prepare for the upcoming summit day.
- Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
- Elevation: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
- Distance: 8 km/5 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 7 Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
Just past midnight, we’ll begin our summit to the top. This is considered the most challenging part of the journey when the wind and cold can be extreme at any period of the day. With short and frequent breaks, we ascend in the darkness. Once reaching Stella Point which is at an elevation of 18,900 ft, you’ll be rewarded with one of the stunning views of the sunrise coming over Mawenzi Peak. Then we ascend all the way to the roof of Africa and the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak. After celebrating your accomplishment at the peak, we descend down to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we’ll be having our last dinner in the mountain and we’ll then go to sleep.
- Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
- Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
- Distance: 16 km/10 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Day 8 Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. Youth Adventures vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
- Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
- Distance: 20 km/12 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 9 Depart Tanzania
Depart Tanzania or continue your dream with amazing safari extensions.
For trekkers not continuing with a safari, we provide transfers to Kilimanjaro International Airport or bus station for your onward journey.
I would like to book but I have group is large group, is this a problem?
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
Who are your operators in Tanzania?
What travel documents do I need?
What kind of food will I eat on Kilimanjaro?
What kind of hiking experience do I need?
What if I have special dietary requirements?
What are the Kilimanjaro accommodations like?
What about solar protection?
Are there charging stations on Mount Kilimanjaro?
How many hours will I trek each day?
How long is the Kilimanjaro hike?
How high is Kilimanjaro?
Do You Offer Private and Fully Customizable Climbs For Kilimanjaro
Do You Offer Crater Camp Option On Kilimanjaro Climbs
Do you arrange Airport pick-up and Drop off?
Do we tip the hiking crew?
Tour Pricing
| Number of People | Cost Per Person in Mid-Range | Cost Per Person in VIP |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $3,500 | $6,900 |
| 2 people | $2,300 | $6,100 |
| 3 people | $2,250 | $5,900 |
| 4 people | $2,200 | $5,700 |
| 5 people | $2,150 | $5,500 |
| 6 people | $2,140 | $5,300 |
| 7 people | $2,110 | $5,100 |
| 8 people | $2,080 | $4,900 |
| 9 people | $2,050 | $4,700 |
| 10 people + | $2,000 | $4,500 |
Tour Accommodations
| Mid-Range Package | VIP (Luxury) Package |
|---|---|
| Two Nights Accommodations on BB at either of the following Ameg Lodge or Salinero Hotels | Two Nights Accommodations at Mount Meru Hotel on FB or at Gran Melia Hotel |
Tour Map
Similar Tours
Book This Tour
Book This Tour on WhatsApp!
Book This Tour on WeChat!
Scan to add as a friend
Why Book With Us?
- Middle-man Free Pricing
- Customer care available 24/7
- Hand-picked Tours & Activities
- Evacuation by AMREF Flying Doctors
- Personal Liability Insurance to $1M
- 100% Customizable
- Safety and trust
- Local Knowledge
Daily Day Trip Deals
See our Review Us On
You may like