6-Day Rongai Route Trek: Your Passport to Kilimanjaro’s Magnificent Summit!

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

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Price

From $1,704.00

Duration

10 days

Max People

Min Age

16+

Tour Type

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Overview

The Rongai Route is one of the several paths climbers can take to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa. This route is known for its gradual slopes and stunning scenery, offering a different experience compared to some of the more popular routes like the Machame and Marangu.

Scenery: The Rongai Route provides diverse landscapes, ranging from dense rainforest to high alpine desert. Climbers can enjoy breathtaking views throughout the journey.
Less Crowded: Compared to other routes like Machame and Marangu, the Rongai Route typically sees fewer climbers. This can offer a more serene and peaceful experience for those seeking a quieter trek.
Gradual Ascent: The Rongai Route is known for its gradual ascent, which allows climbers more time to acclimatize to the altitude. This can increase the chances of a successful summit attempt and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Northern Approach: Unlike some other routes that start on the southern side of Kilimanjaro, the Rongai Route begins on the northern side near the Kenyan border. This offers a different perspective of the mountain and a less-traveled path.
Diverse Wildlife: While trekking through the lower elevations, climbers may encounter a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, antelope, and a wide array of bird species.
Camping: Accommodations on the Rongai Route are typically in tents at designated campsites along the trail. This adds to the sense of adventure and allows climbers to experience the natural surroundings more intimately.

Overall, the Rongai Route offers a unique and rewarding journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, appealing to those who prefer a quieter, more gradual approach to the climb. However, climbers should still be prepared for the challenges of high altitude and variable weather conditions.

Included/Excluded

2 nights' accommodation in Moshi or Arusha
Private transport to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi
Park entry fees
Camping fees
Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
18% VAT on tour fees and services
4-season mountain tents
Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook, and porters
3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
Enough treated and filtered drinking water throughout the trek
Hot water for washing
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) and Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
Government taxes
Oximeter
Sleeping mattress
Quality mess tents with tables and chairs
Emergency first-aid kit

Airfare
Tips for porters, guide, cook, and assistant guide
Flights
Visas
Meals other than breakfast while in Arusha or Moshi
Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included
Hotel upgrade costs if you decide to request an alternative hotel to the standard
Items considered to be non-essential, such as alcohol, beverages, cigarettes, snacks, etc.

Tour Plan

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania

Today marks your arrival in Tanzania. Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by one of our representatives holding a sign bearing the name of our agency, Affordable International Travel. They will be there to assist you through the arrival process and ensure a smooth transition to your accommodations.

Once you've completed the necessary formalities at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel where you will check in and have the opportunity to rest after your journey. Take this time to unwind and prepare for the exciting adventures that await you in Tanzania.

Tomorrow, your exploration of this beautiful country will begin in earnest. Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and memorable encounters. Welcome to Tanzania!

Day 2: Rongai Gate (1950m) - Simba Camp (2625m)

After breakfast, we'll drive to the Rongai Gate where you'll meet your guide and porters. The hike begins through farmland and pine forest. After registration at the gate, we'll continue ascending to Simba Camp for dinner and overnight camping.

Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers
Habitat: Farmland and montane forest

Day 3: Simba Camp (2625m) - Second Cave (3450m)

Today's hike takes us through moorland with stunning views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim. We'll reach Second Cave for dinner and overnight camping.

Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: Approximately 7 kilometers
Habitat: Moorland

Day 4: Second Cave (3450m) - Kikelelwa Camp (3600m)

We continue our ascent, passing through the alpine desert zone. The landscape changes as we approach Kikelelwa Camp, where we'll spend the night.

Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 5: Kikelelwa Camp (3600m) - Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)

Today's hike takes us across the "Saddle," the barren desert between Mawenzi and Kibo. We'll reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp for dinner and overnight camping.

Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: Approximately 8 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) - Kibo Hut (4700m)

We begin our final ascent to Kibo Hut, where we'll rest and prepare for the summit push. After dinner, we'll attempt to get some sleep before the midnight summit attempt.

Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: Approximately 8 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 7: Summit Attempt - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo Hut (3720m)

We wake up before midnight for a hot drink and a snack before beginning our summit attempt. The trail takes us up steep scree to Gilman's Point, then on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating our achievement, we'll descend to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight stay.

Hiking time: 6-8 hours to Uhuru Peak, 5-6 hours descent to Horombo Hut
Distance: Approximately 5 kilometers ascent, 15 kilometers descent
Habitat: Stone scree and glaciers, alpine desert, moorland

Day 8: Horombo Hut (3720m) - Marangu Gate (1980m) - Departure

We descend to Marangu Gate where you'll receive your summit certificates. Our vehicles will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration.

Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Distance: Approximately 20 kilometers
Habitat: Moorland and montane forest

This concludes our Rongai Route 6 Days trek. Departure from Tanzania or continuation with safari extensions can be arranged according to your preference.

Tour Map