7 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Route

Tour Description

The drive to the trailhead takes about 2.5 hours from Moshi through many villages and coffee plantations, including a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu.

The Rongai Route can also be accessed from Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Allow 2 hours including the border crossing. We will need copies of passports ahead of time.

Itinerary - Day by Day

The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border and is one of the least traveled routes.

The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many viewpoints.

Day 1, Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp

Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest.

The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. 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.

-- Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
-- Distance: 6km/4mi
-- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
-- Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Simba Camp
Day 2, Hike Simba Camp to Second Cave

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

-- Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
-- Distance: 6km/4mi
-- Walking Time: 3-4 hours
-- Habitat: Moorland

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Second Cave Camp
Day 3, Hike Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp

Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.

-- Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft
-- Distance: 9km/5mi
-- Walking Time: 2-3 hours
-- Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Budget Accommodations: Kikelewa Camp
Day 4, Hike Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, 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 acclimatisation. If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatisation hike.

-- Elevation: 3600m/11,800ft to 4330m/14,200ft
-- Distance: 6km/4mi
-- Walking Time: 3-4 hours
-- Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day 5, Hike Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

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 very early.

-- Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft
-- Distance: 9km/5mi
-- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
-- Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Budget Accommodations: Kibo Hut Camp
Day 6, Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft).

Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires 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 with many switchbacks. Going slowly "pole pole" and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

-- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
-- Down to 3700m/12,200ft
-- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
-- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
-- Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Horombo Hut Camp
Day 7, Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help.

Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour). Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

-- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
-- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
-- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
-- Habitat: Forest

Meals included: Breakfast

Tour Inclusion & Exclusion

Included

All accommodations per itinerary
All meals per itinerary
All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded)
All transportation and transfers per itinerary
National Park gate fees
Transport from Moshi to trailhead and return to Moshi
Camping fees
Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
Salaries for all crew members
Rescue fees (as required by the national park)
Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
Oximeters
Emergency Oxygen (2L canister)

Excluded

International and domestic flights
Meals not listed
Beverages and alcohol
Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
Optional tours
Single room supplement
Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)

Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (budget $400-550/person)
Sleeping bags and personal gear
$45 for a single tent
Low season discount in April/May

$ 2,355

/ person

*this price is for group of 4+ people

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7 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Route

Tour Description

Itinerary - Day by Day

Day 1, Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp

Day 2, Hike Simba Camp to Second Cave

Day 3, Hike Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp

Day 4, Hike Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn

Day 5, Hike Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Day 6, Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hut

Day 7, Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi

Tour Inclusion & Exclusion

Included

Excluded

$ 2,355

/ person

Book This Tour

Discount up 13% for a Big Group

Gallery

Awesome Capture

Start Your Journey with Us

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